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Funeral Service Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Milestone Funeral Partner

Funeral Apprentice

Elmira, NY · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Milestone Funeral Partners is seeking a compassionate, service-driven Funeral Director Apprentice to join our growing team in Elmira , NY . This entry-level opportunity is designed for recent ...

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NorthStar Memorial Group

Embalmer Apprentice

Kaneohe, HI · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

United by a common desire to serve, Funeral Directors and Embalmers at NorthStar share a pride in ... Preparing complete and accurate documents related to services provided * Commit to personal ...

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Funeral Service Apprentice information

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$5

$19

$25

How much do funeral service apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral service apprentice in the United States is $19.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectFuneral Service ApprenticeFuneral Director
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and enrollment in a funeral service education programRequires licensure, which includes completing an accredited program and passing state exams
Work EnvironmentAssists with funeral preparations, embalming, and administrative tasks under supervisionOversees funeral arrangements, client consultations, and manages funeral home operations
Industry UsageEntry-level role in funeral homes, often a stepping stone to becoming a funeral directorLicensed professional responsible for funeral planning and client service

The Funeral Service Apprentice is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting with funeral preparations, while the Funeral Director is a licensed professional who manages funeral services and client relations. The apprentice role is essential for gaining experience before becoming a licensed funeral director.

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

To thrive as a Funeral Service Apprentice, you need a solid understanding of mortuary science, embalming techniques, and funeral service laws, usually supported by enrollment in an accredited funeral service program. Familiarity with funeral management software, embalming tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Compassion, attention to detail, and strong interpersonal skills help apprentices provide sensitive support to grieving families and maintain professionalism. These skills ensure respectful care of the deceased, legal compliance, and exemplary service to clients during emotionally challenging times.

What are Funeral Service Apprentices?

Funeral Service Apprentices are individuals who are training under the supervision of licensed funeral directors or embalmers to learn the skills necessary for a career in funeral service. Their duties typically include assisting with the preparation of bodies, arranging funerals, interacting with grieving families, and learning about legal and ethical responsibilities. The apprenticeship is a required step before becoming a fully licensed funeral director or embalmer and usually lasts one to two years, depending on state requirements. This hands-on experience is essential for understanding the sensitive nature of the profession and providing compassionate service to families.

What Does a Funeral Service Apprentice Do?

A funeral service apprentice works for a funeral service and learns the skills necessary to become a funeral director, embalmer, or mortician. In some states, you must be a funeral director apprentice or mortician’s apprentice before you can earn a license to run your funeral service operation. An apprentice gets on-the-job training along with direct instruction. A funeral service apprentice performs many of the same duties as their superiors but under the supervision of a licensed professional. After completing the apprenticeship program, the apprentice may have the necessary qualifications to work in funeral services.

What are the most common challenges faced by Funeral Service Apprentices during their training period?

Funeral Service Apprentices often encounter challenges such as managing emotional stress when working closely with grieving families and learning to balance compassion with professionalism. Adapting to irregular hours and being on-call can also be demanding, as funeral services often require flexibility. Additionally, apprentices must quickly become familiar with legal and ethical regulations, while developing technical skills in embalming and service planning. Support from experienced mentors and a structured apprenticeship program can help ease these challenges.
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Funeral Service Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Service Apprentice job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $40,333 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Funeral Apprentice

Milestone Funeral Partner

Montpelier, VT • On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Milestone Funeral Partners is seeking a compassionate, service-driven Funeral Director Apprentice to join our growing team at Guare Funeral Home in Montpelier, VT. This entry-level opportunity is designed for recent mortuary science graduates and apprentices who are ready to build their careers through meaningful, hands-on experience with one of the Northeast’s leading funeral service organizations.

Why Join Milestone?

When you join Milestone, you're becoming part of a team that is deeply connected to the communities we serve. Every day, your work helps families navigate some of life's most difficult moments with compassion, dignity, and exceptional care. We value your expertise, invest in your growth, and help you build a career with purpose.

About the Role

As a Funeral Director Apprentice, you will work under the guidance of experienced funeral professionals to gain valuable experience across every aspect of the profession. From meeting with families and coordinating arrangements to assisting during visitations, funerals, memorials, and daily funeral home operations, you'll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to build a successful career as a licensed Funeral Director.

Evening, weekend, holiday, and on-call availability is required.

What You'll Do

  • Support licensed funeral directors in coordinating and conducting funeral and memorial services with professionalism, care, and attention to detail
  • Assist families throughout the arrangement process by providing compassionate customer service and guidance
  • Assist with respectful care and preparation of the deceased, including identification verification, dressing, cosmetology, and preparation of cremated remains
  • Prepare and complete required documentation, contracts, permits, and online records accurately and in compliance with applicable regulations
  • Assist with funeral service logistics, including vehicle operation, parking coordination, ushering, setup and breakdown, cemetery services, and transportation of flowers, keepsakes, and personal items
  • Support cremation and burial arrangements while ensuring all authorizations and required documentation are completed
  • Maintain compliance with all applicable professional, state, and federal licensing requirements

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Currently enrolled in or recently completed a mortuary science program from an accredited institution, as required by applicable state licensing requirements
  • Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
  • Ability to meet applicable state licensing requirements for funeral service
  • Previous experience in a funeral home, cemetery, crematory, or related environment preferred
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact compassionately with families during difficult times

Benefits & Perks

Our employees enjoy a competitive compensation package, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, retirement savings plan (401k), access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and more.

About Our Team

At Milestone Funeral Partners, our employees are our greatest investment. Across every location, our leaders are committed to creating an environment where staff feel supported, trusted, and empowered to grow. We provide the tools, training, and opportunities needed to build rewarding careers while nurturing a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous learning.