Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Embalmer
What embalmers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an embalmer?
Review case files and family requests. From there, the day usually includes prepare bodies for embalming, perform arterial and cavity embalming, and perform restorative art. Hours can be irregular, including on-call and weekend work.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an embalmer working full time.
- Review case files and family requests.
- Set up the preparation room and PPE.
- Embalm a case, monitoring distribution.
- Perform restorative work on facial features.
- Dress and cosmetize the deceased using a family photo.
- Casket and position for viewing.
- Clean the preparation room and document.
Where embalmers work
Embalmers work in funeral home preparation rooms with chemicals, requiring PPE and ventilation.
Hours and schedule
Hours can be irregular, including on-call and weekend work.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Embalming machines
- Instruments
- Embalming chemicals
- PPE and ventilation
- Cosmetics
- Restorative wax
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Respected, skilled work
- Help families find comfort
- Steady demand
- Associate degree path
What’s hard
- Emotionally challenging
- Chemical exposure
- On-call hours
- Small number of jobs
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I can handle this work calmly
- I’m detail-oriented
- I want to help grieving families
- I’m interested in anatomy
- I’m artistic
- I can work on call
Not sure? Take the free Embalmer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Wear full PPE
- Ventilate and monitor formaldehyde exposure
- Follow bloodborne pathogen rules
- Dispose of waste properly