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Funeral Director Apprentice Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

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Funeral Director Apprentice information

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$8

$13

$17

How much do funeral director apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral director apprentice in Alabama is $13.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.99 and $15.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a funeral director apprentice?

Funeral Director Apprentices are individuals who are training under the supervision of a licensed funeral director to learn the skills and knowledge necessary to become a funeral director themselves. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with funeral arrangements, preparing bodies, handling paperwork, and supporting grieving families. The apprenticeship is a required step in many states before taking a licensing exam and becoming a fully licensed funeral director. Apprenticeships provide hands-on experience in the funeral industry, allowing apprentices to develop professional competence and understanding of funeral service laws and ethics.

What are some typical challenges a funeral director apprentice may face during their apprenticeship?

As a Funeral Director Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as managing emotional interactions with grieving families, handling a variety of administrative tasks, and adapting to unpredictable work hours, including evenings and weekends. Balancing the technical aspects of embalming and restorative work with compassionate client service is essential. Apprentices often need to quickly learn industry regulations, documentation processes, and how to coordinate with cemeteries, clergy, and other service providers, all while maintaining professionalism in sensitive environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a funeral director apprentice, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Funeral Director Apprentice, you need foundational knowledge of mortuary science, legal regulations, and funeral service protocols, typically supported by enrollment in an accredited mortuary science program. Familiarity with case management software, embalming tools, and compliance systems is often required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help build trust with grieving families and ensure sensitive service delivery. These skills and qualities are crucial for providing respectful, organized, and professional care to clients during emotionally challenging times.

What is the difference between Funeral Director Apprentice vs Funeral Director?

AspectFuneral Director ApprenticeFuneral Director
CredentialsOn-the-job training, apprenticeship programs, state licensing requirementsLicensed after completing apprenticeship, certification, and licensing exams
Work EnvironmentAssisting licensed directors, preparing funeral arrangements, learning industry practicesManaging funeral services, coordinating arrangements, client interactions
Industry UsageEntry-level role in funeral homes, training positionFull professional role with responsibilities and licensing

The main difference between a Funeral Director Apprentice and a Funeral Director is that the apprentice is in training, gaining experience and working under supervision, while the funeral director is fully licensed and responsible for managing funeral services independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the licensing process and future career as a licensed funeral director.

Are funeral director apprenticeships paid?

Yes, funeral director apprenticeships are typically paid positions, providing a salary or hourly wage while gaining hands-on experience in funeral service operations. Apprentices often work under the supervision of licensed funeral directors and may also pursue related certifications during their training.

How long is a funeral director apprenticeship?

A funeral director apprenticeship typically lasts about 1 to 3 years, during which apprentices gain hands-on experience in embalming, casketing, and funeral service operations. The duration can vary depending on state requirements and the specific program, and apprentices often work under the supervision of licensed funeral directors while completing necessary training and certifications.

How much do funeral director apprentices make?

Funeral director apprentices typically earn between $25,000 and $40,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Apprenticeship programs often include on-the-job training and may lead to higher wages as skills and certifications develop.

How to become a funeral director apprentice?

To become a funeral director apprentice, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which includes hands-on training in funeral service operations. Some states require passing licensing exams and obtaining relevant certifications, such as in embalming or funeral directing, before becoming fully licensed funeral directors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral Director jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Funeral Director jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Funeral Director Apprentice jobs in Alabama?

For Funeral Director Apprentice jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Funeral Director Apprentice jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for Funeral Director Apprentice jobs in Alabama are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Funeral Director Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Funeral Director Apprentice job openings:

Funeral Director Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Director Apprentice job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $28,536 per year, or $13.7 per hour.

Crematory Operator

Service Corporation International

Mobile, AL • On-site

$17.50 - $23.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Service Corporation International rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 97 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 9 rated funeral services

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Properly receive and process human remains and ensures that the cremated remains are returned to the authorized person(s) according to company procedures and applicable Federal, State and Municipal regulations. Duties must be performed consistent with company mission and values and adherence to company policies and procedures.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cares for deceased in a respectful manner while performing all the tasks involved in the cremation process
  • Receives remains and ensures all documentation is complete and visual identification of the deceased is complete and accurate.
  • Completes all required documentation with respect to cremation process and equipment maintenance
  • Adheres to all professional, municipal, state/provincial and federal licensing authority regulations applicable to the cremation of human remains
  • Adheres to all applicable policies and procedures
  • Maintains all Company logs/reports and required state-specific reports
  • Maintains all chain of custody paperwork
  • Promotes a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions and adopting general principles of safe conduct
  • Maintains the crematorium, equipment and adjacent facilities
  • May deliver/release cremated remains to appropriate funeral home or proper authority
  • Other duties as directed by management

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent.  Completion of a formal program at a college or technical school specializing in funeral service or mortuary science where required by state law.

Experience

  • Minimum one to three months experience as an apprentice

Certification/Licenses

  • Certified Crematory Operator as required by state law; valid driver’s license required if performing removals and transfers of bodies and delivering cremated remains

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Familiar with the basic operation of industrial equipment to include basic trouble-shooting skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to maintain effective relationships with all affiliates and/or third parties
  • Good communication skills
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to multi task and set priorities
  • Detail oriented
Postal Code: 36605 Category (Portal Searching): Operations Job Location: US-AL - Mobile

Company Description

We are proud to be North America's leading provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.

Our nearly 25,000 associates are driven by our guiding purpose to compassionately support families during their most difficult times, celebrate the significance of life and preserve memories that transcend generations.

We’ve created a culture of Service Excellence to our families and to each other. It’s the reason more than 600,000 families turn to us each year to care for their loved ones.

What Service Corporation International employees say

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