Hiring guide · Beauty, Fitness & Personal Care
How to Hire an Embalmer
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring embalmers, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $58,780), recruit through cosmetology, barbering and massage school career days, verify State embalmer license where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for embalmers
There are about 3,900 embalmers employed in the U.S., with roughly 700 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +0.7% from 2025–35 (little or no change). Most openings come from replacing workers who retire or change careers, so a steady pipeline matters.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $38,310–$48,010 | $18.42–$23.08 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $58,780 | $28.26 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $66,130 | $31.79 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $77,570 | $37.29 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Associate's degree (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Embalming techniques
- Respect and dignity
Nice-to-haves
- State embalmer license
- National Board Exam
- OSHA formaldehyde training
- Experience with embalming machines
Where to find embalmers
- Cosmetology, barbering and massage school career days
- Certification bodies and continuing education classes
- Social media and client referrals
- Assistants and apprentices already on your team
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Licensed Embalmer, Mortuary Technician, Restorative Artist, Funeral Service Practitioner
Screening checklist
- State license verification with the licensing board
- A practical skills demonstration or trial service
- Liability insurance and certification checks where required
- References focused on reliability and client service
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “Why embalming?”
What a strong answer includes: Show respect and calling.
2. “How do you handle difficult cases?”
What a strong answer includes: Mention skill and composure.
3. “What safety practices do you follow?”
What a strong answer includes: PPE and ventilation.
4. “How do you approach restorative art?”
What a strong answer includes: Use photos and care.
5. “Are you licensed?”
What a strong answer includes: Share status.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Prepare the Preparation Room (see the steps)
- Set Facial Features (see the steps)
- Cosmetize for Viewing (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Arterial embalming, Cavity embalming, Restorative art
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Embalmer 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Embalmer training. Show them the path forward: Apprentice Embalmer → Licensed Embalmer → Restorative Specialist → Funeral Director or Manager.
Hiring embalmers: FAQ
How much should I pay an embalmer?
The U.S. median wage for embalmers is $58,780 per year ($28.26/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($48,010), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($66,130). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should an embalmer have?
BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for State embalmer license and National Board Exam where relevant, plus skills such as embalming techniques, anatomy, and restorative art.
How long does it take to train a new embalmer?
Becoming qualified typically takes 2–3 years including apprenticeship. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “long-term on-the-job training.”