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Obituary Writer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harvard University

Editorial Specialist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

Researches and writes obituaries. Provides training to alumni volunteers on how to research and write an obituary. * Manages and resolves all book queries to alumni authors as early in editorial ...

Tribute Technology

Senior Marketing Account Manager

$75K - $90K/yr

... homes and obituary hosting services. Our comprehensive platform brings together software and ... Exceptional written and verbal communication skills * Strong attention to detail across client ...

DENVER ROLLER INC

Funeral Director

Jonesboro, AR

Counseling with families including merchandise, obituary and assisting them to deal with their ... Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information ...

FirstBank

New Accounts

Coalgate, OK · On-site

Obituary maintenance for Precision (completed daily.) * Ensure documents have been imaged within ... Strong verbal and written communication skills. * Neat, legible, and efficient handwriting.

DENVER ROLLER INC

Funeral Director

Marshall, AR · On-site

Counseling with families including merchandise, obituary and assisting them to deal with their ... Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information ...

DENVER ROLLER INC

Funeral Director

Little Rock, AR · On-site

Counseling with families including merchandise, obituary and assisting them to deal with their ... Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information ...

Harvard University

Editorial Specialist

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$55/hr

Researches and writes obituaries. Provides training to alumni volunteers on how to research and write an obituary. * Manages and resolves all book queries to alumni authors as early in editorial ...

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Obituary Writer information

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How much do obituary writer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 is an obituary writer?

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an obituary writer?

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.

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.

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 set their own rates, while staff writers often receive a regular salary or hourly wage. Compensation can vary widely based on the publication and geographic location.

How to get a job as an obituary writer?

To become an obituary writer, develop strong writing and research skills, often through a background in journalism, English, or communications. Building a portfolio of writing samples and gaining experience with local newspapers, online publications, or freelance work can improve your chances of securing a position in this specialized field.
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Obituary Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Obituary Writer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Hospice Death Doula

Affinity Care of Ohio

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

BOARD CERTIFIED END OF LIFE DOULA - CANDIDATES MUST HAVE COMPLETED CERTIFICATION COURSE

Job Title/Position: Board Certified End of Life Doula

Reports To: Clinical Director

 

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

 

The End of Life Doula is a non-medical professional who is trained to help those nearing the end of their lives with their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Death doulas work with the dying and their families to ensure comfort and ease during what can be a difficult process.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Provide non-medical, non-judgmental support and guidance to patients and families/caregivers in the hospice program through times of critical, transformative life change.
  2. Nurture, inform, support, guide, empower and comfort patients and families/caregivers.
  3. Collaborate with other caregivers and members of the interdisciplinary group.
  4. Provide support that is focused on, and adapted to, the unique needs and requirements of each patient/family/caregiver served.
  5. Offer education and research services to keep loved ones informed 
  6. Assist with handling arrangements
  7. Help the patient/family/caregiver reach common ground, so the end of life aligns as well as possible with their wishes.
  8. Are present before and during the patient’s passing to provide a sense of comfort, companionship, and support.
  9. Supports the family/caregiver after their loved one has passed to ensure arrangements are in order, and everyone gets the space they deserve to grieve.
  10. Provides logistical support. Including setting up schedules for shopping, errands, pet care, child care, transportation, meal preparation, other household tasks.
  11. Helps patients/families/caregivers get their affairs in order and saying goodbye.
  12. Organizes important information that will be needed after the death, including notifying key people, writing an obituary, etc.
  13. Assists with Life review/legacy work.
  14. Helps planning for final disposition (e.g., burial, cremation, organ donation, etc.).
  15. Advocates and mediates to ensure dying person’s wishes are honored
  16. Provides emotional, social, spiritual support for the dying patient/family/caregivers.
  17. Provides non-medical comfort measures for the dying person and/or family (stress reduction, music therapy, aromatherapy, reiki, healing touch, etc.).
  18. Provides respite, companionship, and sitting vigil.
  19. Offers guidance for after-death care of the body.
  20. Provides after-death support, notifications, communicating with funeral directors, and others.
  21. Creates rituals or ceremonies, and memorial service planning.
  22. Offers grief support.
  23. Maintains records of services provided. 

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Possesses an End of Life Doula certificate from a training program.
  2. Hospice experience preferred
  3. Understands hospice philosophy
  4. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state/or organization requirements and is in good working order. 
  5. Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.