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Funeral Service Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Embalmer/Funeral Director

Richmond, VA · On-site

$49K - $64K/yr

Mentor and train funeral service apprentices. Other Responsibilities * Ensure compliance with all relevant laws governing the practice of funeral service. * Patiently and professionally field ...

... a Apprenticeship) Core Requirements * Education: Associate Degree in Funeral Service Education or Mortuary Science * Licensure: Must be a Licensed Funeral Director in Pennsylvania Essential Skills ...

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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 Sep 12, 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.

What cities are hiring for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral Service jobs?

The most popular types of Funeral Service jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs?

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What states have the most Funeral Service Apprentice jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Funeral Service Apprentice jobs?

For Funeral Service Apprentice jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Funeral Service Apprentice job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,333 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer - Kettering, OH

Kettering, OH • On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Looking for a great company to begin your funeral service career? Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions is actively seeking an Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer to join our dynamic team.

As an Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer you will gain valuable experience working alongside a strong team of funeral industry professionals in a forward thinking organization. Successful candidates must have excellent communication and organizational skills and a desire to provide the highest quality service to families. Candidates must meet the apprentice and educational requirements established by the State Board, successfully passed their National Board Exams, possess a valid driver’s license and meet our driving performance standards.

Newcomer offers a competitive salary and benefits including medical, dental, prescription, vision; 401(k) and student loan repayment; paid time off; bonus potential and development opportunities for career growth. Begin your career with Newcomer and be treated with dignity, fairness, respect and rewarded for creativity, teamwork and family satisfaction!

Click here for complete job description


Qualifications

Educational, Licensure and Skill Requirements

•    A two-year college degree or completion of a specialized course of study or job specific skills acquired through on-the job raining or apprenticeship program.
•    For Ohio:  A Bachelor’s Degree including 12-month accredited mortuary school or Bachelor’s Degree and approval from the State Board for Funeral Director only apprentice certificate.
•    A minimum of three months of similar or related experience.
•    Valid Apprentice/Resident Funeral Director and or Embalmer License in the location jurisdiction.  
•    Passing of both sections of the National Board Exam (NBE) as per state requirements.
•    Must be able to effectively communicate with all levels including management, associates, home office and families.  
•    Possess necessary licensure or other certification to meet local or state legal requirements in order to perform the functions of an Apprentice/Resident Funeral Director, always working under the supervision of a licensed funeral director.
•    Possess a valid Drivers’ License and meet the driving performance standards as determined by management. MVR’s may be reviewed annually for compliance, and any conviction or at-fault accidents should be immediately reported to management.
•    Must have computer and software proficiency.


Essential Physical Responsibilities

•    Ability to tolerate exposure to hazardous substances subject to government requirements; occasional lifting, pushing and pulling, with assistance, of objects up to approximately 600 pounds; manual dexterity required for clerical tasks; occasional stooping, bending, pushing, pulling and carrying objects weighing up to approximately 30 pounds for short distances.  
•    Ability to travel by standard methods of transportation.