Learn more about the embalmer salary, education requirements, job duties, licensing requirements, bonuses and benefits. The recent National salary average of an embalmer is between $22,531 – $56,700, this figure varies per state and location. An Embalmer is an expert who prepares bodies for burial and the aesthetic skills to make the deceased appear as attractive and lifelike as possible.
Embalmer Salary
The embalmer salary is dependent on several factors, and the number of hours worked. The average salary of an embalmer is $40,000, at $10-$30/hr. The industry range is between $22,531 – $56,700, the highest salary received is recorded in Connecticut, Minnesota, Rhode Island North Carolina, and California.
Work hours for embalmer may extend into the weekend, where they have a lot of work to do. They work with a deadline and this might be to complete a task within 48hrs or less. The embalmer salary include the bonuses, allowances, insurance and many other perks.
However income may vary with experience, skills, years of service, location and employer.
Embalmer Job Description
This is an old profession, that dates back to the ancient Egypt, where bodies are mummified and preserved. Most embalmer work on their feet for a long time, and may be required to travel from time to time.
- Cosmetic or restorative work to improve appearance
- Post-trauma facial reconstruction
- Embalming and preserving the body, removing body fluids and injecting preservative chemicals, disinfecting and sanitizing
- Organize the transport of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home and from the funeral home to the cemetery.
- Work closely with funeral arrangers to make sure the families’ wishes are met
- Dressing the deceased and placing the body in the casket
- Keeping records and assisting in funeral home maintenance
- Properly and safely utilize embalming instruments and machinery in accordance with company guidelines
Embalmer Training and Schools
To train as an embalmer you need to have an associate degree or bachelors degree in mortuary science, this is either a 2 years or 4 years. Some embalmers learn the trade as passed by their parents, while there are also training schools that offer the course. In the United States having a degree or associate degree is required before you are licensed to practice.
A year of internship is necessary with an established embalmer, in other countries formal training might not be necessary. In some instances a certificate course is all that is required, however there are number of online schools offering courses in mortuary science.
Applicants may also be required to pass their state’s jurisprudence examination and the national examination given by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.