Funeral attendants
SOC Code: 39-4021Also known as:
Cemetery Services Specialist, Embalmer Apprentice, Funeral Assistant, Funeral Associate, Funeral Attendant
Median Annual Salary
$34,610
+3.1% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
33K
Current Jobs
What Funeral attendants Do
Perform a variety of tasks during funeral, such as placing casket in parlor or chapel prior to service, arranging floral offerings or lights around casket, directing or escorting mourners, closing casket, and issuing and storing funeral equipment.
💰 Salary
$34,610
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
32,500
Projected Employment (2034)
33,500
Related Careers
Funeral home managers
$76,830 •
+4.1% growth
Crematory operators
$42,880 •
+3.3% growth
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers
$49,800 •
+3.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Greet people at the funeral home.
- Perform a variety of tasks during funerals to assist funeral directors and to ensure that services run smoothly and as planned.
- Close caskets at appropriate point in services.
- Direct or escort mourners to parlors or chapels in which wakes or funerals are being held.
- Place caskets in parlors or chapels prior to wakes or funerals.
- Offer assistance to mourners as they enter or exit limousines.
- Clean funeral parlors or chapels.
- Arrange floral offerings or lights around caskets.
- Clean and drive funeral vehicles, such as cars or hearses, in funeral processions.
- Act as pallbearers.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
College rankings for this career path are being calculated. Check back soon!
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do funeral attendants make?
The median annual salary for funeral attendants is $34,610.
What education do funeral attendants need?
Most funeral attendants positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming funeral attendants a good career choice?
Funeral attendants is projected to see +3.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 5,700 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for funeral attendants?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to funeral attendants?
Funeral attendants may also be known as: Cemetery Services Specialist, Embalmer Apprentice, Funeral Assistant, Funeral Associate, Funeral Attendant, Funeral Director, Funeral Greeter, Funeral Home Assistant, Funeral Home Associate, Funeral Home Attendant, Funeral Service Attendant, Funeral Services Assistant (FSA), Greeter, Mortician Helper, Pallbearer, Undertaker Assistant, Undertaker Helper.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.