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Funeral Director Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cotton Funeral

Funeral Director

Orange, NJ · On-site

Embalmer, Apprentice, Mortuary Practioner or Funeral Director, Apprentice as required by state/provincial law * 2 years directly related experience preferred Certification/Licenses * Must meet all ...

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How much do funeral director apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral director apprentice in the United States is $16.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I be a funeral director without being a mortician?

A funeral director apprentice is typically involved in coordinating funeral services, managing arrangements, and overseeing the preparation of remains. While morticians or embalmers focus on the technical aspects of body preparation, a funeral director role often does not require performing embalming unless licensed or certified to do so; licensing requirements vary by state or country. Both roles may require specific certifications, but it is possible to work as a funeral director without being a licensed mortician if the job duties do not include embalming or body preparation.

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.

Do funeral homes take apprentices?

Funeral homes often hire apprentices to train for roles such as funeral director or embalmer. Apprentices typically work under supervision, learn industry skills, and may need to complete specific certifications or licensing requirements during their training. Opportunities vary by location and employer policies.

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 are Funeral Director Apprentices?

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.

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 involves hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed funeral director. Some states require passing licensing exams and obtaining certification before practicing independently.

How much do apprentice funeral directors make?

Apprentice funeral directors typically earn between $20,000 and $35,000 annually, depending on location and experience. As apprentices, they often receive lower wages than fully licensed directors and may work long hours while gaining on-the-job training and certifications.

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.
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Funeral Director Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Director Apprentice job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,743 per year, or $16.2 per hour.
Funeral Director Apprentice

Funeral Director Apprentice

Service Corporation International

North Miami Beach, FL

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Service Corporation International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 90 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 8 rated funeral services

Job description

Our associates celebrate lives. We celebrate our associates.

Provides customer service in all areas of helping client families following the loss of a loved one. Provides exemplary personalized and professional service. Learns how a Funeral Director implements choices made by the families/legal representative regarding the funeral, final disposition of the body and memorialization of the individual. Interacts with the family to fulfill death care needs. Ensures customer needs are addressed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Learns to arrange and conduct funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized and caring manner consistent with company policies and procedures
  • Learns to negotiate and create acceptable funeral contracts
  • Handles contracts, legal documents, and collection of monies or insurance in accordance with company policies.
  • Ensures client families are informed of special recognition/services available for veterans and ensures the delivery of selected recognition/services.
  • Confirms authorization to proceed with the service arrangements
  • Verifies identification of the deceased and authorization for embalming
  • Learns how to arrange for the interment or cremation of human remains
  • Adheres to all company and regulatory requirements
  • Cares for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which may include:
    • Removals and transfers
    • Lifting of deceased human remains
    • Dressing and casketing
    • Coordinating and assisting with funeral service and visitation
    • Delivery of flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families
    • Setting of chairs and the removal, proper care and storage of these items
    • Removals and transfers
  • Assists with funeral services by:
    • Coordinating the parking of cars
    • Ushering
    • Driving funeral vehicles
    • Assisting at chapel and church services
    • Assisting at the cemetery
    • Delivering flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families
    • Setting up chairs and the removing, properly caring for and storing of these items
    • Participating at special functions
  • Provides aftercare in absence of Family Service Counselor. Aftercare includes delivery of:
    • Documentation
    • Stationery
    • Information on insurance, health benefits and pension,
    • Pre-arrangements for next of kin
  • Ensures potential pre-need referrals are shared with Family Service Counselors
  • Completes and accurately prepares of all documents related to services, cremations, maintenance, and any other type of data entry
  • Assists with general office duties such as preparing reports as needed
  • Assists with the maintenance of vehicles, the facility and property
  • Receives caskets and other funeral home supplies as well as place into inventory
  • Ensures refreshments are available (where allowed by law)
  • Performs other duties as assigned

MINIMUM Requirements

Education

  • High School diploma or general equivalency degree (or diploma)
  • Completion of or currently enrolled in a degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral service or mortuary science.

Experience

  • Typically requires a minimum of 6 months experience in a funeral home, crematory or cemetery

Certification/Licenses

  • Must meet all licensing requirement in applicable state/province as required by law as prescribed by each state board
  • Valid driver's license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office products required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to multi task and set priorities

Work CONDITIONS

Work Environment
  • Work indoors and outdoors during all seasons and weather conditions
  • Limited amount of local and/or multiple location traveling required
  • Professional Dress is required when in contact with families.
Work Postures
  • Frequent, continuous periods of time standing, up 6 hours per day
  • Sitting continuously for many hours per day, up to 6 hours per day
  • Climbing stairs to access buildings frequently
Physical Demands
  • Physical effort requiring manual dexterity is required, includes paperwork, calculators, computers and phone usage
Work Hours
  • Working beyond "standard" hours as the need arises
  • Travel up to 25%
Postal Code: 33162Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-FL - North Miami Beach

What Service Corporation International employees say

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