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Funeral Service Apprentice Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Funeral Service Apprentice information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$5

$18

$24

How much do funeral service apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral service apprentice in Decatur, GA is $18.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.00 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Funeral Service jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Funeral Service jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Funeral Service Apprentice jobs in Decatur, GA? For Funeral Service Apprentice jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Funeral Service Apprentice jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Funeral Service Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Funeral Service Apprentice job openings in Decatur, GA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,378 per year, or $18.9 per hour.
Funeral Director

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Service Corporation International rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 89 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. Implements choices made by the families' legal representatives regarding the final disposition of the body and memorialization of the individual. Interacts with the family to fulfill the death care needs of their loved one. Provides exemplary personalized and professional service. Fulfills the requirements as dictated by the licensing Board in the practicing state or province.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Arranges and conducts funeral and memorial ceremonies in a professional, organized and caring manner consistent with company policies and procedures
  • Negotiates and enters into funeral contracts
  • Handles contracts, legal documents, and collection of payments 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
  • Arranges for the interment or cremation of human remains
  • Confirms authorization to proceed with the service arrangements
  • Verifies identification of the deceased and authorization for embalming
  • Cares for the deceased in a respectful manner while performing a variety of tasks which may include: performing removals and transfers including lifting of deceased human remains; dressing and preparing caskets; coordinating and assisting with funeral services and visitations
  • Supervises/assists in funeral services by: supervising the parking of cars; ushering; driving funeral vehicles; assisting at chapel and church services; assisting at the cemetery; delivering of flowers, caskets, urn, photos and other personal keepsakes or mementos of client families; setting up and removal of chairs, and; participating at special functions
  • Handles aftercare including delivery of: documentation, stationery, information on insurance, health benefits and pension and pre-arrangements for next of kin
  • Handles pre-need sales where applicable. And, or ensures potential pre-need referrals are shared with Family Service Counselors
  • Ensures adherence to all professional, municipal, provincial/state and federal licensing authority, regulations and rules applicable to the provision of funeral services
  • Prepares and accurately completes documents and online entries related to services, cremations, maintenance
  • Promotes and maintain a safe and healthy work environment
  • Retains heritage and grows market share through active involvement with community, religious and other organizations

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Completion of a degree training program at an accredited mortuary college or technical school specializing in funeral service or mortuary science as required by state/provincial law

Experience
  • Apprentice, Funeral Director experience as required by state/provincial law
  • 2 years directly related experience preferred

Certification/Licenses
  • Must meet all licensing requirements required by state/province law and as prescribed by each state board
  • Current state/province issued driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Basic knowledge of religious and fraternal organizations customs
  • Knowledge of computers and some software including MS Office Suite required
  • High level of compassion and integrity
  • Good communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Ability to multi task and set priorities
  • Ability to work weekends and evenings
  • Detail oriented

Postal Code: 30084
Category (Portal Searching): Operations
Job Location: US-GA - Tucker

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