Embalmers
SOC Code: 39-4011Also known as:
Anatomical Embalmer, Arterial Embalmer, Embalmer, Funeral Embalmer, Funeral Services Embalmer
Median Annual Salary
$56,280
+1.3% growth (2024-2034)
600
Openings/Year
4K
Current Jobs
What Embalmers Do
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
💰 Salary
$56,280
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.3%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
600
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
3,600
Projected Employment (2034)
3,700
Related Careers
Funeral home managers
$76,830 •
+4.1% growth
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
$62,340 •
+2.6% growth
Crematory operators
$42,880 •
+3.3% growth
Funeral attendants
$34,610 •
+3.1% growth
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers
$49,800 •
+3.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Active Listening
Writing
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Conform to laws of health and sanitation and ensure that legal requirements concerning embalming are met.
- Apply cosmetics to impart lifelike appearance to the deceased.
- Join lips, using needles and thread or wire.
- Close incisions, using needles and sutures.
- Incise stomach and abdominal walls and probe internal organs, using trocar, to withdraw blood and waste matter from organs.
- Clean and disinfect areas in which bodies are prepared and embalmed.
- Dress bodies and place them in caskets.
- Make incisions in arms or thighs and drain blood from circulatory system and replace it with embalming fluid, using pump.
- Remove the deceased from place of death and transport to funeral home.
- Perform the duties of funeral directors, including coordinating funeral activities.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Embalmers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a embalmers:
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General
2,332 degrees awarded •
58 colleges offer this program
Mortuary Science and Embalming/Embalmer
64 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Embalmers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become embalmers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do embalmers make?
The median annual salary for embalmers is $56,280.
What education do embalmers need?
Most embalmers positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General, Mortuary Science and Embalming/Embalmer.
Is becoming embalmers a good career choice?
Embalmers is projected to see +1.3% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 600 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for embalmers?
Top colleges for aspiring embalmers include
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc, Des Moines Area Community College, Northeast Texas Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to embalmers?
Embalmers may also be known as: Anatomical Embalmer, Arterial Embalmer, Embalmer, Funeral Embalmer, Funeral Services Embalmer, Licensed Embalmer, Restorative Art Embalmer, Trade Embalmer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.