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Funeral Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Rochester, NY

... funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that ... In your job, you may expect to: * Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains

U.S. Navy

Mortician

Geneseo, NY

... funeral services to honor those who have fallen. The Navy is the only branch of the military that ... In your job, you may expect to: * Assist in recovery, identification and inspection of remains

All JobsFuneral JobsFuneral Assistant JobsFuneral Assistant Jobs in Rochester, NY

Funeral Assistant information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$5

$15

$23

How much do funeral assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral assistant in Rochester, NY is $15.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Why do you cut the rosary when someone dies?

A funeral assistant may cut the rosary or other religious items as part of preparing the body for viewing or burial, often to remove or preserve specific symbols according to religious or family wishes. This task requires sensitivity and respect for the family's beliefs and customs during the preparation process. Proper training ensures that such procedures are handled with care and professionalism.

What Is a Funeral Assistant?

A funeral assistant, also known as a funeral attendant, assists the director of a funeral home. As a funeral assistant, your responsibilities include assisting in planning the events of the funeral, escorting each guest and family member to the service, and potentially helping with the preparations of the remains. You also may help with selecting of caskets or making cremation service arrangements. Your job is to assist the funeral director in any way possible to make the funeral logistics less stressful, allowing the family to focus on grieving. This is an entry-level job for someone looking to make a career in the mortuary field.

What are funeral assistants?

Funeral assistants are professionals who support funeral directors and help organize and carry out funeral services. Their duties may include preparing the venue, greeting and assisting mourners, transporting flowers or caskets, and handling administrative tasks. They play a crucial role in ensuring that services run smoothly and respectfully, providing comfort and support to grieving families during a difficult time.

What is the difference between Funeral Assistant vs Embalmer?

AspectFuneral AssistantEmbalmer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingState license; mortuary science degree
Work EnvironmentFuneral homes, assisting with arrangements and setupFuneral homes, preparing bodies for services
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in funeral service industrySpecialized role within funeral service industry

Funeral Assistants typically handle logistical tasks and support funeral directors, requiring minimal formal education. Embalmers perform body preservation and require specialized training and licensing. While both roles work in funeral homes, their responsibilities and credentials differ significantly.

What are the most common challenges Funeral Assistants face when supporting grieving families?

Funeral Assistants frequently encounter the challenge of providing compassionate support to families while managing logistical details under emotional circumstances. Balancing empathy with professionalism is key, as families may have specific requests or last-minute changes. Additionally, maintaining composure during emotionally charged moments and ensuring that services run smoothly requires effective communication and adaptability. Most teams provide training and mentorship to help new assistants develop these essential interpersonal skills.

Are organs removed before cremation?

As a funeral assistant, it is standard practice that organs are typically removed during the embalming process or prior to cremation if organ donation is involved. In most cases, organs are not removed solely for cremation unless specified for donation or medical reasons. The process follows legal and ethical guidelines to ensure respectful handling of the body.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Funeral Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Funeral Assistant, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of funeral service protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with scheduling software, record-keeping systems, and the safe handling of funeral equipment is often required. Compassion, discretion, and strong interpersonal skills are crucial for supporting grieving families and coordinating with colleagues. These abilities are essential to ensure respectful, smooth-running services and to provide comfort during emotionally challenging times.

Are you clothed when you are cremated?

As a funeral assistant, it is standard practice for individuals to be clothed when they are cremated, often in their own clothing or a shroud provided by the family. The clothing is usually chosen to respect the deceased's wishes and cultural or religious practices. Proper handling and documentation are essential parts of the cremation process.

What is a traditional Irish wake?

A traditional Irish wake is a funeral custom where family and friends gather to mourn the deceased, often staying overnight with the body present. The event includes storytelling, singing, and sometimes religious rituals, serving as a communal way to honor and remember the departed. Funeral assistants may help coordinate these gatherings and ensure respectful observance of customs.
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Funeral Assistant jobs near you

Funeral Director/Embalmer

AKRE & Associates

Rochester, NY

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Funeral Director & Embalmer

A privately owned funeral home is seeking a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer to join its team. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the technical side of embalming and the family-facing side of funeral service.

This is a balanced position with an expected 50/50 split between embalming and funeral directing. The right candidate will be comfortable preparing and caring for decedents while also meeting with families and providing a high level of service.

Responsibilities

  • Meet with families and assist with funeral arrangements
  • Perform embalming and body preparation
  • Support funeral services and daily operations
  • Work closely with other licensed funeral directors
  • Manage assigned families from arrangement through service
  • Participate in a shared on-call rotation
  • Handle after-hours transfers only when trade services are unavailable
  • Maintain a professional, compassionate, and service-focused approach

Qualifications

  • Licensed Funeral Director
  • Embalming experience required
  • Comfortable working directly with families
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to serve high-expectation clientele
  • Flexible, team-oriented, and reliable
  • Open to a non-traditional rolling schedule
  • Willingness to perform both embalming and funeral director duties

Schedule

This role follows a rolling schedule rather than a traditional Monday-Friday structure. The standard workday is approximately 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with every other weekend off. There are no calling hours, and after-hours calls are handled by an answering service.

Team members participate in a shared on-call rotation of approximately two nights per week.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Base salary: $80,000–$90,000
  • Quarterly incentive bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) with company contribution
  • Paid time off
  • Cell phone allowance
  • Dry cleaning service
  • After-hours transfer pay
  • Housing options may be available

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer who is equally comfortable in the prep room and in front of families. This person should be flexible, trustworthy, professional, and able to adapt to a modern, family-owned funeral home environment.

This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants a balanced role, a fair schedule, and a team culture that values work-life balance.