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Embalmer
Also called: Licensed Embalmer · Mortuary Technician · Restorative Artist · Funeral Service Practitioner
What embalmers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an embalmer do?
Embalmers prepare bodies for funerals by cleaning, disinfecting and preserving them, performing restorative art and dressing and cosmetizing the deceased for viewing. The median pay is $58,780 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2–3 years including apprenticeship, and employment is projected to grow +0.7% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$58,780$28.26/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+0.7%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year700Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2–3 years including apprenticeshipTypical program length
- U.S. jobs3,900Employment, 2025
What embalmers do
Embalmers care for the deceased with dignity. They disinfect and preserve bodies using arterial embalming, perform restorative work after illness or trauma, dress and apply cosmetics, and prepare the deceased for viewing. They follow strict safety, health and legal procedures.
Embalmers usually complete a mortuary science program, an apprenticeship and licensing exams. Many are also funeral directors. Employment is small but steady.
Typical duties
- Prepare bodies for embalming
- Perform arterial and cavity embalming
- Perform restorative art
- Dress and cosmetize the deceased
- Maintain the preparation room
- Follow safety and chemical regulations
- Keep embalming records
Work environment and schedule
Embalmers work in funeral home preparation rooms with chemicals, requiring PPE and ventilation.
Schedule: Hours can be irregular, including on-call and weekend work.
A day in the life
- Review case files and family requests.
- Set up the preparation room and PPE.
- Embalm a case, monitoring distribution.
- Perform restorative work on facial features.
See a full day in the life of an embalmer →
Embalmer salary
Half of embalmers earned more than $58,780 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,310 for the lowest 10% to $77,570 for the top 10%.
Full embalmer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an embalmer
- Earn a mortuary science degree
- Complete an apprenticeship
- Pass exams
- Get licensed
- Advance
Embalmers complete a mortuary science program, an apprenticeship and the National Board Exam, then get a state license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an embalmer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Embalming techniques
- Anatomy
- Restorative art
- Cosmetology for the deceased
- Chemical safety
People skills
- Respect and dignity
- Attention to detail
- Composure
- Artistry
All embalmer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Respected, skilled work
- Help families find comfort
- Steady demand
- Associate degree path
Cons
- Emotionally challenging
- Chemical exposure
- On-call hours
- Small number of jobs
Certifications and licenses
- State embalmer license: Required in most states.
- National Board Exam: Funeral service exam.
- OSHA formaldehyde training: Required chemical safety training.
- Bloodborne pathogens training: Infection control training.
Career path
- Apprentice Embalmer: Learn under supervision.
- Licensed Embalmer: Prepare the deceased.
- Restorative Specialist: Handle complex cases.
- Funeral Director or Manager: Lead funeral services.
Learn the job before day one
Our Embalmer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as prepare the preparation room and set facial features, safety and how to land your first job.
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Embalmer FAQ
Is embalming required?
Not always; laws vary, and families can often choose.
Do embalmers need a license?
Most states require one.
Are embalmers also funeral directors?
Many are.
How much does an embalmer make?
The median annual wage for embalmers was $58,780 ($28.26 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,310 and the highest 10% earned more than $77,570.
How long does it take to become an embalmer?
Most people need about 2–3 years including apprenticeship of training. Embalmers complete a mortuary science program, an apprenticeship and the National Board Exam, then get a state license.
Do you need a degree to be an embalmer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-4011 (Embalmers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Embalmers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.