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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 Jun 21, 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.

Do funeral homes take apprentices?

Funeral homes often hire apprentices to train in funeral service, embalming, and mortuary science. Apprentices typically work under licensed funeral directors and may need to complete specific training programs or certifications before becoming licensed professionals.

Is 27 too old for an apprenticeship?

Funeral Service Apprenticeships are open to individuals of various ages, and 27 is not considered too old to start. Many apprenticeships value maturity, life experience, and a strong commitment to the profession, making age less of a barrier than in other career paths.

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.

How much do apprentice morticians make?

Apprentice morticians typically earn between $10 and $15 per hour, depending on location and experience. As they gain skills and complete required certifications, their wages generally increase, and they may transition to higher-paying roles within funeral service establishments.

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.

How to become a mortician's apprentice?

To become a funeral service apprentice, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which includes hands-on training under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or mortician. Some states require passing licensing exams and obtaining certification before practicing independently.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Locum Tenens, 6% Internship, 66% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,333 per year, or $19.4 per hour.
Funeral Director Apprentice (part - time)

Funeral Director Apprentice (part - time)

Service Corporation International

Centralia, WA

$23 - $25/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Be an early applicant

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%

Pay:

  • $23.00 - $25.00 an hour based on experience

Benefits:

  • Medical*Dental*Vision*Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)*Health Savings Account with Company Contribution*Sick Leave*Short-Term Disability*Long-Term Disability*Life Insurance*Voluntary Accidental Death or Dismemberment Insurance*Dependent Life Insurance*SCI 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company match*Employee Assistance Program
Postal Code: 98531-8908Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-WA - Centralia

Company Description

Life’s not about a job, it’s about purpose.
Do you love sales? Are you passionate about serving your community? Do you want to make a difference with your work?
We’re looking for a sales professional to join our dynamic team! We put people first and value integrity and attention to detail in our work. We’ll change everything you ever thought about working in the funeral services industry. This isn’t your typical job—and we’re not your typical company!
Our Sales Professionals enjoy:
• Unlimited Income Potential - with a competitive commissioned incentive package
• Stability – a recession-resistant, human centered business
• Brand recognition – Our Dignity Memorial® is the North America’s largest provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services.
• Company-Provided Leads - we use the world’s #1 lead-management system and other best-in-
class technology platforms
• Ongoing training
• Advancement opportunities
We think our CEO, Tom Ryan, says it best:
“At SCI, we believe we are Better Together. When each of us brings our best self to work, we can provide the Service Excellence our families deserve. This is why we provide you and your loved ones with benefits and resources to help you become your best.”
BETTER HEALTH:
Wellbeing is important to us, and to ensure our associates have access to the best care, we offer medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision insurance plans for our associates to select from. Our wellness program offers benefit credits and includes a company contribution toward Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA). Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers immediate, confidential help to our associates and their dependents as well as eight free counseling sessions per incident.
BETTER WEALTH:
We are committed to providing the means and resources for our associates to manage their current and future financial needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match, financial education tools and flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care and commuter expenses.
BETTER SELF:
We encourage associates to take time off through vacation, holiday, sick time, maternity leave and baby bonding (maternity & paternity) plans. Career development is an important focus, supported by tuition reimbursement, professional training and discounted university rates. Through the Sam Lucas Scholarship Foundation, we provide educational grants to associates, their spouses and children. What is important to our associates outside of work is important to us too. We offer additional benefits including adoption assistance and pet insurance, among many other insurance and benefit options.
BETTER COMMUNITY:
Our Associate Resource Communities (ARCs) are associate-led, self-directed groups of Company colleagues who share similar interests and backgrounds. ARCs offer opportunities to connect with colleagues, promote diversity, share ideas, enhance our business and help improve the communities in which we live and work. As part of our mission to promote excellence in funeral service, our mortuary science scholarship program awards over $96,000 annually to 25 deserving students. (Associates are eligible to participate.) In exchange for a contribution to a charity of their choice, our associates can earn an additional day off per year.
Compensation: $40,000 to $100,000 targeted compensation (with higher earnings potential based on exceptional performance)
Note: Eligibility requirements apply.
SCI is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. On request, we will seek to provide appropriate accessibility options to all applicants with disabilities.
For any difficulties with the application process, please reach out to SCI.jobs@sci-us.com.

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