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Funeral Director Apprentice Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Service Corporation International

Embalmer

Glendora, CA

$27 - $29/hr

Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies * Promotes a safe work environment by being aware ... Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a ...

Service Corporation International

Embalmer

Glendora, CA

$27 - $29/hr

Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies * Promotes a safe work environment by being aware ... Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a ...

Service Corporation International

Embalmer

Glendora, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies * Promotes a safe work environment by being aware ... Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law * 2 years of experience in a ...

NorthStar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ...

Northstar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ...

NorthStar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

NorthStar Memorial Group is seeking an Embalmer Apprentice to join our team at Chapel of the Chimes ... United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ...

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Funeral Director Apprentice information

See California salary details

$9

$15

$20

How much do funeral director apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral director apprentice in California is $15.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $17.65 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 California?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funeral Director Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Director Apprentice job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,042 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Embalmer

Service Corporation International

Glendora, CA

$27 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

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.

Performs all embalming activities of the deceased correctly and respectfully.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Cares for deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which include: verifying identification and embalming authorization; performing restorations; completing removals and transfers; dressing, styling hair and or applying cosmetics, and; any other preparation required for human remains
  • Adheres to all applicable professional, municipal, state/provincial and federal licensing authority regulations
  • Assists with maintenance of preparation room and the facility
  • Cleans soiled equipment and hazardous material spills
  • Ensures hazardous materials and spills are handled in accordance with the Material Data Safety Sheets
  • Assists with chemical and supply inventory   
  • Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies
  • Promotes a safe work environment by being aware of and practicing universal precautions and adopting general principles of safe conduct

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Graduation from accredited mortuary college or other degree as required by state/province law

Experience

  • Embalmer, Apprentice experience as required by state/provincial law
  • 2 years of experience in a 200-call minimum/year funeral firm embalming facility preferred

Licenses

  • Must meet all licensing requirements in applicable state/province as required by law and as prescribed by each state board
  • Current state/province issued driver’s license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Acceptable driving record
  • Ability to lift over 75 pounds
  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office products required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills

Pay:

  • $27.00 - $29.00 an hour based on experience

Benefits:

  • Medical*Dental*Vision*Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)*Health Savings Account with Company Contribution*Sick Leave*Short-Term Disability*Long-Term Disability*Life Insurance*Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance*Dependent Life Insurance*SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match*Employee Assistance Program

As part of your pre-employment background check, your criminal conviction history will be verified given that this role requires the following material job duties: Working around and/or handling deceased and working around families and colleagues. Convictions creating a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with the identified job duties may result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer.

Postal Code: 91740 Category (Portal Searching): Operations Job Location: US-CA - Glendora

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.

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