1

Grave Digging Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

Canton, OH · On-site

$15/hr

... Digging graves,placing headstones, hauling dirt, set up and tear down of gravesites. A Sets ... to individual grave and markermaintenance A Responds to andcompletes requests for service/work ...

Cemetery Caretaker

North Olmsted, OH · On-site

$19.50 - $23/hr

The Cemetery Caretaker is responsible for the overall appearance of cemetery, mausoleum, and funeral home locations, including maintenance and grounds keeping, locating grave sites, digging graves ...

New

Grave Digging information

See Ohio salary details

$14

$27

$42

How much do grave digging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for grave digging in Ohio is $27.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $33.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grave digger?

Grave diggers are workers responsible for preparing burial sites at cemeteries. Their primary duties include digging and filling graves, maintaining cemetery grounds, and sometimes assisting during burial ceremonies. They may use hand tools or machinery to excavate graves to precise dimensions and ensure the safety and proper placement of caskets. Grave diggers often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may also help with landscaping and general cemetery upkeep.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a grave digger?

To thrive as a Grave Digger, you need physical strength, endurance, attention to detail, and basic knowledge of burial procedures, often supported by on-the-job training. Familiarity with tools such as shovels, backhoes, and safety equipment is essential, and some cemeteries may require certifications in equipment operation. Reliability, respectfulness, and the ability to handle sensitive situations with discretion are standout soft skills in this position. These skills ensure graves are prepared safely and respectfully, honoring both safety standards and the emotional needs of grieving families.

What challenges do grave diggers face during their daily work?

Grave diggers often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may encounter difficult soil types or tight cemetery spaces, which can make digging challenging. They must also handle heavy machinery safely and respectfully coordinate with funeral directors to ensure graves are prepared on schedule. Emotional sensitivity is important, as grave diggers frequently work near grieving families and during services, requiring professionalism and discretion. Many cemeteries provide safety training and support to help employees manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Grave Digging vs Cemetery Maintenance Worker?

AspectGrave DiggingCemetery Maintenance Worker
CertificationsNone required, but OSHA safety training recommendedOften requires groundskeeping or horticulture certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, in cemeteries, involving physical laborOutdoor, maintaining cemetery grounds, including landscaping
Job DutiesExcavating graves, operating digging equipmentMaintaining lawns, planting, repairing headstones

Grave digging focuses on excavating graves, requiring physical labor and equipment operation, while cemetery maintenance workers handle groundskeeping and landscaping. Both roles are essential in cemetery operations but differ in specific duties and certifications.

How much do people get paid to dig graves?

Grave diggers typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. The job often requires physical strength, knowledge of safety protocols, and sometimes certification or training in cemetery operations.

What are popular job titles related to Grave Digging jobs in Ohio?

For Grave Digging jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Grave Digging jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Grave Digging jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Grave Digging job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,631 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Laborer

Canton, OH • On-site

EXECUTIVE PERSONNEL SERVICES INC
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$15/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The position provides overall grounds andmaintenance service conducive to provide burial, landscaping, and burial markerinstallation services


Job Responsibilitiesmay include:

A        Assist in performingopenings & closings for burials, entombments, and inurnments

A        Operating a mower,weed eater and blower

A        Digging graves,placing headstones, hauling dirt, set up and tear down of gravesites.

A        Sets, installs, andassembles foundations, memorials, and markers

A        Installs outer burialcontainers

A        Handles and completeswork orders from client families as it pertains to individual grave and markermaintenance

A        Responds to andcompletes requests for service/work orders

A        Conducts 25-footradius preparation for burials and ensures the area is clean and neat

A        Fills grave, tamps,seeds or sods

A        Adheres to all Companysafety rules and Universal Precautions

A        Maintains a clean andorderly work area

A        Completes Dignitytraining as assigned

A        Adheres to allstandards of the Dignity Memorial Promise

A        Performs all otherduties as assigned by management

Experience:

A        Minimum of six (6) months experience operating standardequipment

A        Ability to operate hand-held tools and equipment, including, butnot limited to a shovel, pick, rake, sledgehammer, lawn mower, weed trimmer,leaf blower, chain saw and pump

A        Ability to operate mechanical equipment including, but notlimited to, a dump truck, tractor, utility vehicle, marker trailed, dumptrailer, jack hammer, tamper, and backhoe

A        Ability to accurately use measuring devices (i.e., tape measure,yard stick, etc.)

A        Ability tocommunicate effectively with fellow associates, contractor personnel and clientfamilies

A        Ability to liftheavy objects up to 50 lbs.

Work Conditions:

A        Work indoors or outdoors during all seasons and weatherconditions

Work Hours:

A        40 hours a week

A        Working beyond astandarda hours as the need arises