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Funeral Service Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bliley's

Funeral Service Apprentice

Richmond, VA

The Funeral Service Apprentice at Bliley's supports licensed funeral professionals across the organization while gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of funeral service. This role includes ...

Milestone Funeral Partner

Funeral Apprentice

Rome, NY · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

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

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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How much do funeral service apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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 a funeral service apprentice?

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 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 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.

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.

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Funeral Service Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Service Apprentice job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,333 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Funeral Service Apprentice

Bliley's Funeral Homes & Cremation Center

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Description:

For more than a century, Bliley’s Funeral Homes & Cremation Center has stood for service, trust, and professionalism. As we continue to grow, joining our team means being part of a legacy of care and a culture where every associate contributes to the experience families remember. We seek individuals who hold themselves to a high standard and find meaning in helping others.


Summary of Job Function:

At Bliley's, our mission is to "guide our community through grief with ritual, education, and compassion" - and training the next generation of licensed funeral directors is a key component of that philosophy. The Funeral Service Apprentice at Bliley’s supports licensed funeral professionals across the organization while gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of funeral service. This role includes opportunities to assist with embalming, funeral arranging, and funeral direction, as well as the transportation of deceased persons, maintenance of fleet and facilities, running errands, and actively promoting Bliley’s in the community. Apprentices work under supervision of licensed funeral professionals to fulfill state licensure requirements and develop the skills necessary to become a licensed Funeral Director.


Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Assist the Central Services Manager as needed, including transporting deceased persons, answering phone calls, and running company errands.
  • Serve as a Funeral Director Assistant when needed, assisting licensed funeral directors with conducting ceremonies, transporting flowers, directing parking and processions, and driving hearses.
  • Assist licensed funeral directors in the Care Center to provide all aspects of decedent care, including embalming, dressing, presentation, and maintaining a clean environment.
  • Assist licensed funeral directors with all aspects of funeral arranging, including conferences, death certificates, obituaries, receptions, celebrants, venues, escorts, military honors, ceremony planning, etc.
  • Assist licensed funeral directors with all aspects of funeral services, including visitations, church ceremonies, funeral home ceremonies, cemetery ceremonies, processions, etc.
  • Assist Fleet & Facilities Manager with maintenance of fleet and facilities.
  • Complete all necessary licensing requirements, including 2000 hours, 25 embalmings, and 25 family interactions.
  • Actively promote Bliley’s Funeral Homes and Cremation Center in the community.
Requirements:
  • Must have a mortuary science degree or be in the final semester of completing one.
  • Must have career ambitions for becoming a licensed funeral director.
  • Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work compassionately with families and associates of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.
  • Significant carrying, pushing and/or pulling and frequent lifting of objects weighing 25-75 pounds along with the ability for job related lifting of 75-125 pounds.
  • Significant ability to work independently.
  • Ability to multitask within job requirements.
  • Must be detail-oriented.