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Obituary Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Media Sales Plus

Obituary Notice Specialist

Amherst, NY · On-site

$15.75 - $16/hr

We're looking for compassionate individuals who have superior writing skills and empathy to primarily assist funeral homes and private parties with composing and placing obituary notices in print and ...

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$13

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$66

How much do obituary writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for obituary writer in the United States is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Obituary Writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Obituary Writer, you need excellent writing, research, and interviewing skills, often supported by a background in journalism or English. Familiarity with word processing software and content management systems is typical, as well as understanding editorial guidelines and deadlines. Sensitivity, empathy, and strong communication help build trust with grieving families and ensure respectful storytelling. These skills are crucial for crafting accurate, heartfelt obituaries that honor lives and provide comfort to loved ones.

Is obituary writer a job?

Yes, an obituary writer is a professional who creates obituaries to honor and inform about deceased individuals. This role often requires strong writing skills, research abilities, and sensitivity to the subject matter, and may be employed by newspapers, online publications, or funeral homes.

How much do you get paid to write an obituary?

Obituary writers typically earn between $15 and $50 per obituary, depending on factors such as experience, publication, and complexity. Freelance writers may charge per piece or by the word, while staff writers often receive a regular salary or hourly wage.

How to become an obituary writer?

To become an obituary writer, strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to conduct research are essential. Many obituary writers have backgrounds in journalism, English, or related fields, and some gain experience through internships or freelance work. Familiarity with obituary formats and sensitivity to personal stories are also important for success in this role.

How do I get started writing an obituary?

To become an obituary writer, start by researching obituary formats and writing styles, and develop strong writing and interviewing skills. Gaining experience through internships or freelance assignments can help build a portfolio, and familiarity with journalistic ethics and sensitive communication is essential for this role.

What are some common challenges an Obituary Writer faces when gathering information for a piece?

Obituary Writers often need to delicately balance accuracy with sensitivity, as they gather personal stories and details from grieving families and friends. It can sometimes be challenging to obtain complete and accurate information, especially if loved ones are emotional or memories conflict. Maintaining professionalism and empathy during interviews, while meeting tight publication deadlines, is crucial. Additionally, writers must ensure that the obituary honors the deceased's life respectfully while adhering to editorial guidelines.

What is the difference between Obituary Writer vs Obituary Writer?

AspectObituary Writer
CredentialsTypically requires journalism, writing, or communications background; no specific certifications needed
Work EnvironmentWorks for newspapers, online publications, or funeral homes, often in an office setting
Industry UsageCommonly employed in media outlets or funeral service industries
Job FocusResearching and writing respectful obituaries that honor individuals' lives

Obituary Writers primarily focus on creating respectful, accurate obituaries for media outlets or funeral homes. They require strong writing skills and familiarity with journalistic standards. Their work environment is typically office-based, and their role is essential in the funeral and media industries. The main difference from related roles is their emphasis on obituary content creation, rather than broader journalism or writing tasks.

What are obituary writers?

Obituary writers are professionals who compose written tributes summarizing the lives of people who have passed away. Their work involves gathering information about the deceased, interviewing family members and friends, and crafting narratives that honor the individual's life, achievements, and legacy. Obituary writers may work for newspapers, funeral homes, or as freelancers, and their writing helps inform the public and provide comfort to grieving families. Their goal is to create an accurate, respectful, and memorable account of a person's life.
More about Obituary Writer jobs
What states have the most Obituary Writer jobs? States with the most job openings for Obituary Writer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Obituary Writer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Obituary Writer jobs are:
Obituary Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Obituary Writer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.
Obituary Notice Specialist

Obituary Notice Specialist

Media Sales Plus

Amherst, NY • On-site

$15.75 - $16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Are you a student or someone who has recently retired and is seeking to supplement your income on a part-time or full-time basis? Then this is an opportunity you will enjoy.

We're looking for compassionate individuals who have superior writing skills and empathy to primarily assist funeral homes and private parties with composing and placing obituary notices in print and online. Team members will also assist with placing other types of advertising.

Empowering Environment

Join a collaborative team that celebrates success together. Our culture is built on connection, encouragement, diversity and shared wins from all roles and departments.

Growth & Advancement

We promote from within and support your professional development. This role offers a path to long-term growth and advancement.

Hybrid Flexibility

After completing an initial training and acclimation period in our Williamsville, NY office, you’ll have an opportunity to transition to a hybrid schedule—combining the energy of in-office collaboration with the benefit of remote work. Weekend shifts are exclusively remote.

Obituary Notice Specialist

You will be handling and processing obituary and legal notices, formatting and proofreading content, managing incoming calls and emails, assisting customers with advertising orders, providing accurate product and deadline information, and responding to all customer inquiries or concerns with empathy, professionalism and efficiency.

Ideal candidates can easily prioritize and complete work accurately while consistently meeting deadlines. They demonstrate patience and empathy and communicate effectively with both their team members and our customers and clients.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Responding promptly to incoming calls and emails.
  • Processing and proofreading content with a strong focus on accuracy.
  • Replying to customers in a timely fashion.
  • Identifying and assessing customers' needs to achieve satisfaction.
  • Assisting with processing notices and advertising orders.
  • Building sustainable, trusting relationships with customer accounts.
  • Adhering to guidelines, deadlines, and workflow processes.
  • Providing a great customer experience by addressing all the customers’ needs in a courteous and friendly manner.

Desirable Skills:

  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively.
  • Proven customer support experience, ensuring client satisfaction.
  • Ability to meet and exceed productivity requirements and deadlines.
  • Excellent phone etiquette, active listening, and organizational skills.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Open to feedback and support to help you be successful in your role.
  • Experience in data entry and call center environments.
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office; general computer skills.

Full-Time and Part-Time Availability

We’re hiring for full-time and part-time positions. Candidates must be available between 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Monday through Sunday). While you won’t work every day, your schedule will be flexible and will fall within those hours.

Compensation

The base pay for this role is $15.75 - $16.00/hour, plus an incentive plan that rewards your accuracy, performance and productivity.

We Offer

Paid Training, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Medical & Dental, 401(k), Credit Union Membership, Hands-On Training & Team Support.

We provide support to many of North America's largest media organizations. By joining our team, you'll engage with a diverse range of markets, systems, and processes, while enhancing your skills in delivering outstanding customer experience and providing sales recommendations and guidance.

We are eager to consider your resume. We are conducting in-person interviews, and we look forward to connecting with you soon!

Company Description

For more than two decades, Media Sales Plus has partnered with leading media organizations across North America to deliver multi-media sales and services that help businesses grow. We combine trusted industry experience with forward-thinking digital innovation to create meaningful results for our client partners.