How much does a embalmer make?
Answer: A typical embalmer in the United States makes $58,780 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 4,000 people work in this job. About the same as the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Embalmer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $38,310 | $58,780 | $77,570 | about 4,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $60,060 | about 520 |
| Texas | $57,350 | about 680 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, experience, qualifications such as a license, and skills in complex restorative work can affect an embalmer’s pay. Pay can also differ by employer, location, and the hours or shifts worked.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a embalmer do?
Prepare bodies for interment in conformity with legal requirements.
What's a typical day like?
At a funeral home, an embalmer prepares and preserves a body with fluid and a pump, then uses cosmetics to create a natural appearance. They clean and disinfect the room and may dress the person and place them in a casket.
How to get this job
After high school, complete an accredited mortuary-science program; an associate degree is the usual route. State rules vary, but many require supervised training, exams, and a license, often with 21 as the minimum age.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Surprise: Embalmers use a pump to replace blood in the body's circulatory system with preserving fluid.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Personal Care and Service jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/print/funeral-service-occupations.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/39-4011.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- llr.sc.gov/fs/pdf/FD-Embalmer-Application.pdf
- clements.umich.edu/exhibit/death-in-early-america/embalming
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY