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Funeral Service information

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$5

$19

$24

How much do funeral service jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for funeral service in California is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a funeral service professional?

Funeral service professionals are individuals who assist families and loved ones with end-of-life arrangements, including planning and conducting funerals, memorial services, and burials. They handle tasks such as preparing the deceased, organizing ceremonies, and providing emotional support to grieving families. Funeral service workers may include funeral directors, embalmers, and funeral home assistants, all dedicated to ensuring dignified and respectful services. Their role often involves guiding families through legal and administrative processes related to death and burial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in funeral service?

To thrive in Funeral Service, you need knowledge of mortuary science, state licensure, and an understanding of funeral laws and regulations. Familiarity with embalming tools, funeral management software, and compliance documentation systems is typically required. Compassion, strong interpersonal skills, and attention to detail help professionals support grieving families and manage sensitive situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering respectful, seamless services that honor loved ones and provide comfort to clients during difficult times.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in funeral service roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in funeral service roles often encounter emotionally charged situations while supporting grieving families and managing sensitive traditions or requests. Balancing empathy with professionalism is key, as is maintaining composure during high-stress moments. Developing strong communication skills, seeking support from colleagues, and practicing self-care are effective strategies for managing these challenges. Team collaboration is also vital, as funeral service staff typically work closely with directors, embalmers, and administrative personnel to ensure seamless service delivery.

What is the difference between Funeral Service vs Funeral Director?

AspectFuneral ServiceFuneral Director
CertificationsFuneral Service License, Embalmer LicenseFuneral Service License, Embalmer License
Work EnvironmentFuneral homes, cemeteries, memorial servicesFuneral homes, client consultations, arrangements
Industry UsageBroad term encompassing all funeral-related rolesSpecific role focusing on client arrangements and management

Funeral Service is a broad term that includes various roles within the funeral industry, such as embalmers and funeral assistants. Funeral Directors are a specific type of Funeral Service professional responsible for coordinating funeral arrangements, guiding families, and managing services. Both roles require similar certifications and work in funeral homes, but Funeral Directors focus more on client interaction and service planning.

How to get a job in the funeral service?

To work in funeral service, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a funeral service education program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Licensing requirements vary by state but generally include passing a licensing exam and gaining practical experience through an apprenticeship or internship. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle emotional situations are essential in this field.

What jobs can you get with a funeral service degree?

A funeral service degree prepares individuals for roles such as funeral director, mortician, or embalmer, involving tasks like coordinating funeral arrangements, embalming, and providing grief support. These jobs typically require licensing or certification and involve working in funeral homes or mortuary settings.

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

The most popular types of Funeral Service jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Funeral Service jobs in California?

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

What job categories do people searching Funeral Service jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Funeral Service jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Funeral Service jobs?

Cities in California with the most Funeral Service job openings:

Funeral Service jobs near you
Infographic showing various Funeral Service job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,805 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Funeral Service Director

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Sacramento, Inc.
See more jobs at Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services of the Diocese of Sacramento, Inc.external

$17 - $22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Position: Funeral Service Director

Position Status: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday, Some Weekends and Evenings

Category: Non-Exempt

Pay Rate: Starting at $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

Supervisor: Reports to the Lead Service Director or other supervisor as may be assigned.

Job Summary: Work with at-need families in the delivery of Vigil, Funeral Masses and Committal Services as per the instructions provided by the funeral arranger and/or Lead Service Director, while maintaining the highest standard of customer care.

Essential Functions:

    1. Deliver our ministry in accordance with the Rites of Christian Burial, assisting clergy as needed.
    2. Exhibit exceptional customer service skills, empathy, and respect.
    3. Have a working knowledge of Catholic traditions and other cultural traditions as applicable.
    4. Ability to speak clearly in front of large groups; indoors and outdoors.
    5. Transportation of decedent for funeral and cemetery services via hearses and vans.
    6. Transportation of flowers and memorabilia via hearses and vans.
    7. Adjusts decedent, in casket, as needed for proper and respectful presentation.
    8. Have a working knowledge of Parish facilities and staff and be familiar with location specific processes.
    9. Set up and clean up CFCS facilities before and after services.
    10. Maintain cleanliness and preparedness, including fueling, of vehicles and report any operational or cosmetic issues to the Lead Service Director upon discovery.
    11. Maintain general cleanliness of Funeral Center/ Home areas including Chapels, bathrooms, reception rooms, etc.)
  1. Other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  1. Licensed Funeral Director, preferred
  2. Must hold a valid California Driver's License.
  3. Must be a Catholic in good standing.

Education:

  1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
  2. Associate Degree, preferred

Ability:

  1. Must be able to lift at least 50 lbs.
  2. Must be able to spend up to 3 consecutive hours standing, indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.

Skills/Knowledge:

Practicing Catholic with knowledge and understanding of the Catholic Church; Proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook); excellent interpersonal and phone skills; great organizational skills; ability to maintain strict confidentially; professional temperament and appearance; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form using correct spelling, grammar and punctuation; ability to work and relate to a variety of personalities and cultures with diplomacy, friendliness and poise; able to work in a team-oriented environment; handle multiple assignments consecutively and prioritize workload.


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