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Funeral Service Apprentice Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Burns Funeral Home in Elko, NV is seeking an Apprentice funeral director/embalmer/arranger to assist with all aspects of funeral services including planning, arranging, embalming, directing and ...

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Burns Funeral Home in Elko, NV is seeking an Apprentice funeral director/embalmer/arranger to assist with all aspects of funeral services including planning, arranging, embalming, directing and ...

Instructs and oversees work of Apprentice Funeral Directors on services and paperwork. * Performs removals and transfers individuals into Park Lawn's care as needed. * Performs other duties, as ...

Various locations Provides customer service in all areas of funeral arrangements, cremation ... Embalmer, Apprentice, Mortuary Practioner or Funeral Director, Apprentice as required by state ...

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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.
What cities are hiring for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs? Cities with the most Funeral Service Apprentice job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Funeral Service jobs? The most popular types of Funeral Service jobs are:
What states have the most Funeral Service Apprentice jobs? States with the most job openings for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Funeral Service Apprentice jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Funeral Service Apprentice jobs are:
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

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


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%
Postal Code: 33162Category (Portal Searching): OperationsJob Location: US-FL - North Miami Beach

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