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How much do funeral service apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 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 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.

More about Funeral Service Apprentice jobs
What cities are hiring for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Funeral Service Apprentice job openings:
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Funeral Service Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Service Apprentice job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,333 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Apprentice Funeral DirectorEmbalmer

DENVER ROLLER INC

West Memphis, AR

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of a licensed funeral director and/or embalmer, assists with all aspects of a funeral and its attendant services in a manner deemed to fit the Roller image of excellent service.

Essential Functions:

  1. Assists in arranging funerals with families, schedules, organized and directs all the steps of a funeral including: flowers, pallbearers, minister, order of service, cars, music, etc.
  2. Assists with monuments including ordering, pricing and setting where appropriate.
  3. In some cases assist with the clerical and record keeping tasks such as monthly reports, death certificates and VA benefits.
  4. Picks up the remains of deceased from the place of death and transports them to the funeral home.
  5. Embalms the body in an appropriate and professional manner that meets the high standards of Denver Roller, Incorporated.
  6. Dresses the body and uses cosmetics to achieve the desired appearance for viewing.
  7. Abides by Denver Roller, Incorporated policies and regulatory agency rules regarding the correct embalming and handling of the body.
  8. Maintains clean and antiseptic facilities and equipment.
  9. Abides by OHSA regulations in the care of hazardous chemicals.
  10. Computer skills that allow you to assist with information, reports and other technical related funeral service items, i.e. DVDs, scanning pictures etc.

Other Responsibilities:

  1. Assist in keeping the funeral home and equipment neat and clean.
  2. Order vaults when appropriate and maintains inventory when requested.
  3. Greet the public as well as assist with visitation when necessary.
  4. Be active in community functions and activities.

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Qualification Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education or Experience:

High school diploma plus additional training as provided by the funeral home and Denver Roller Incorporated.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from the manager, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization may exist. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral diagram, or schedule form.

Other Skills and Abilities:

In-depth knowledge of all aspects of the funeral service, including embalming and cosmetology. Basic knowledge of general office procedures and operation of appropriate equipment. Ability to organize and prioritize work. Computer skills are required.

Other Requirements:

Exceptional verbal and interpersonal skills; compassionate understanding and ability to deal with all aspects of grief. State registration and certification as a funeral home director. Valid drivers license.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Occasional very heavy work requiring exertion of more than one hundred (100) pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Employee uses hands to grasp, finger, handle, or feel objects, tool or controls. The employee reaches with arms and hands, and is frequently required to walk, stand, bend, or stoop, and is occasionally required to kneel, climb, balance, crouch, or crawl.

Ability to clearly express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word, and to receive detailed information through verbal communications, with or without correction.

Clarity of vision at distances of 20 inches or less, more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet, and more than 20 feet, with or without correction; color vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Moderately undesirable conditions due to frequent exposure to one or more disagreeable elements, such as dirt, dust, temperature extremes, weather fluctuations, equipment movement hazards, toxic or caustic chemicals, biological hazards

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