Salary: Average—$34,690 per year
Employment Outlook: Good
Definition and Nature of the Work
Embalmers prepare the dead for burial. The embalming process disinfects the body to prevent the spread of disease. It also preserves the body for funeral services. Most embalmers work for funeral homes, hospitals, medical schools, and morgues (places where bodies are held until they can be identified or until the cause of death can be determined). Many embalmers also serve as funeral directors.
Embalmers must know and follow the laws that deal with the handling and treatment of dead bodies. When they are given a body to prepare, they wash it with germicidal soap and dry it. They also shave the body if necessary. During the embalming process, embalmers insert tubes into the body to remove the blood and replace it with embalming fluid. Embalmers sometimes also reshape parts of the body using materials such as cotton, plastic, or wax. They may apply cosmetics to give the face a lifelike appearance. They also dress the body and arrange it in a casket. If the body is to be sent to another area for burial, embalmers place it in a special transportation case.
Embalmers who work for small funeral homes also perform other tasks, such as serving as pallbearers or helping during funeral services. Embalmers who work in hospitals, medical schools, or morgues help to prepare bodies for autopsies, which are examinations after death, or for dissection. They may also help at autopsies. Sometimes they have to file police reports or testify at inquests, which are official inquiries into the cause of death.
Education and Training Requirements
Interested individuals can begin to prepare for a career as an embalmer while in high school. Courses in science and art are useful for the technical and artistic sides of embalming. If individuals want to work in other areas of funeral service, they will find that psychology, sociology, speech, and business subjects are also helpful. Prospective embalmers can get practical experience working part time or during summers in a funeral home.
After receiving formal training in mortuary science or funeral service, embalmers must serve an apprenticeship and pass a state board examination.
There are special programs to train embalmers. They are called mortuary science programs and are offered by private vocational schools. They take nine months to three years to complete. A few colleges also offer four-year programs in funeral service. Candidates will need to serve an apprenticeship of one to three years during or after formal training.
All states require embalmers to be licensed. Requirements vary, but, typically, candidates must be at least twenty-one years old and a graduate of a high school and a mortuary science school. Prospective embalmers usually need to complete an apprenticeship and pass a state board examination. Most states require a year or more of college before individuals can start their specialized training. Most embalmers get a license as a funeral director as well.
Getting the Job
Interested candidates can apply directly to funeral homes or other institutions that employ embalmers. A local phone book can be a good source for contact information. Although most funeral homes are family businesses, many employ people who are not members of the family. Embalmers may continue working at funeral homes where they had part-time jobs while still in school or where they served apprenticeships. Most schools of mortuary science have placement services that can help candidates to find a job. Newspaper classifieds and Internet job banks may list openings. Prospective workers can also contact professional associations for information on available positions. Members of the clergy may be able to introduce job seekers to local funeral directors.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment Outlook
Embalmers who choose to remain strictly in the field of embalming can become a chief embalmer in a large funeral home, hospital, medical school, or morgue. Embalmers on the staff of hospitals or medical schools can be appointed to the boards of professional associations and can write articles for professional and scientific journals. Some embalmers become teachers.
Most embalmers, however, expand their activities and become funeral directors. They can buy an existing funeral home or start a new one. Either venture requires a great deal of money, but loans are available to qualified people.
The employment outlook for embalmers is expected to be good. As the proportion of people over the age of fifty-five continues to grow, the number of deaths will likely increase. Also, many jobs will open as workers retire or leave the field.
Working Conditions
The embalming process is done in clean, well-lighted rooms that must pass state inspections. Embalmers must often lift and carry bodies and other heavy objects during embalming and during funeral services. They must be able to work well with their hands. Because embalmers sometimes meet the family and friends of the deceased, they must have the ability to deal tactfully with people who are under emotional stress.
Embalmers often work more than forty hours per week. Their hours may be irregular, because there may be slow periods followed by a series of funerals within a short period. In larger establishments embalmers may work shifts; in smaller ones they may be on call at all times. Sometimes embalmers work for several funeral homes.
Earnings and Benefits
Licensed embalmers earn a median salary of $34,690 per year. Salaries vary, however, depending on experience, geographical location, and the volume of business at particular establishments. Benefits include paid holidays and vacations, health insurance, and pension plans.
User Comments Add a comment…
11 days ago
BEN BBRAD628 ((at)) GMAIL dot COM
sounds like a dead-end job to me.
17 days ago
rich salditosritz ((at)) yahoo dot com
im a licensed embalmer here in the philippines, while im lookin for a job opportunities for embalmers locally and internationally, i was able to view this site, this surely helps me a lot, can i ask, if there is job vacancies for embalmers out there? i really want to pursue this carreer eventhough im a nurse and a midwife too, tnx a lot, thanks for those who will reply... ^_^
22 days ago
dean deanandnewman ((at)) hotmail dot com
my best advice when getting into this field is do not get into the funeral and mortuary industries straight from school. you need life experience first
about 1 month ago
Rather Not Say
I think that this is a career field that is either for you or not for you at all. After reading some of the comments left, I don't think that most people understand why anyone would want a job in this career field. I can see why. It's gruesome, but at the same time so real. Most of the people that you'll come across are innocent, feeble, you can see their life, who they were...All this by just looking at them. Everyone does die, that's a given DUH fact. But they need someone just like we will need someone when we pass on. Some of the comments posted about this career choice were absolutely the dummest thing I have EVER read before. I don't see nor understand why the person posted it. If you don't agree you don't agree, there's no sense in posting a retard comment that makes you look like a jackass. To all those going out for this career, I commend you and wish you the best in all you do. The journey may be hard, but I know to those who are serious, it'll be worthwhile. May God bless you all!:p
3 months ago
Regina
I live in Long Beach California, the college that offers the degree for this field is in the area. Go to Cypress College. I'm starting this fall... I can't wait. It's one of my dreams and I can't wait to help the dead and there families and loved ones. This is a job that most should have, because maybe this society will have a bit more compassion for the human race as a whole. I wish all who are truly interested in this field the best of luck. I hope that this industry opens there arms to teach all of us new comers so we can give as much as you do, not because the pay but because we love what we do and are wanting to learn. Ps. We're not freaks, we just look at life for what it is and not ignore what is coming to all of us anyways. We all have to die... and to be honest I would rather have someone care and respect my vessel than treat it with no respect. STOP HATING! its bad for you
5 months ago
mathew mcbrandy mrhotbody_14 ((at)) yahoo dot com dot ph
it is embalming indemand abroad or even there's a country looking for embalmer? i just want to ask coz im interrested to take a course for embalming? thanks
5 months ago
kristin
i just finished my nurssing degree and have worked as an ER tech for past 4 years. i want to continue my education and become an embalmer. my friends think its bizarre as well, but i think my combined income will be worth it. ive actually assisted w 3 bodies( friend is cranial reconstructionist)and it was rewarding to see the person look like a person again, so the families could see them, and say goodbye. I cant wait to start.
6 months ago
Stacy annhastasia ((at)) gmail dot com
I have just enrolled in a Funeral Science program but I was wondering if someone could tell me if it's feasible to get a job as ONLY an embalmer. I never want to work with the families. I am a nervous laugher. I'm sure you can see the issue there. I don't want to waste my college career on something I can't get a job doing. Any help?
6 months ago
Enna
Most of my friends are becoming embalmers or coroners, and I'm becoming a funeral director myself. A lot of people wonder why we should choose such a morbid field of work, but I have no issues with the dead. It is simply a corpse, and when people die, they want to look presentable. What's so wrong with wanting to help people look nice in death? Makeup artist work with the living, an embalmer works with the dead.
9 months ago
Jenus chgoman33 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Wow, most of these comments are great! And I won't waste my time commenting on the negative ones therefore, kuddos to those of us that are truely following our dream to become part of this industry! I'll be forty in two years and am just now starting to enter this field. I know all of my journeys to this point has helped me make the final discision for such a career. Since I was a little boy one of my top two dream careers was to become a tailor and a funeral director. Looking forward to the challenges and rewards it will bring!1
9 months ago
Jen rosesrock4u ((at)) msn dot com
so what classes should i take first. I will be coming right out of high school. Like Core classes? then start the program?
9 months ago
Emma Balmer lacynjordan ((at)) yahoo dot com
As a licensed funeral director/embalmer that works for a man that was a Mortuary Science professor for 14 yrs, our best advice is to get as much college as you can before getting into the field. Whether it be a Bachelor's in Business Administration or a Master's in Psychology, it is best to be well educated and mature before completing a Mortuary Science degree. You'll be better off in the long run, and getting a job will be easier.
10 months ago
terri dmt85 ((at)) hotmail dot co dot uk
Id love to become an embalmer, Ive wanted to be one ever since my cousin died when i was 9years old. I done my works experience at f.p gaunts and sons at school, it was the best thing i have ever done, they let me get really stuck in now i know how embalm a body on my own, its just getting in to the buisness thats hard so if anyone has any useful imformation could you please email me (dmt85@hotmail.co.uk) thankyou.
10 months ago
Charles digger ((at)) bresnan dot net
I've been a funeral director and embalmer for almost 30 years. It's one of the most rewarding jobs in this world. It does not pay as well as some. I own my own funeral home, although it be small I make a little more than back in the days when I worked for others. I agree with some of the comments. It should pay better. I love this job!
10 months ago
Cory catchcor7ifucan ((at)) yahoo dot com
I think its very funny how people consider embalming for sickos or freaks when a mature person would know that its only a body. Its lifeless, we all have to die someday and quite frankly I want my body taken care of after I die but it really doesnt matter because im not in there. Thats just the physical "casing" that embodied my spirit. Once you move up and possibly own your own funeral home, the $$$ is very rewarding. A close friend of my family owns a funeral home with her husband and when she told me she makes a few thousand a body, that definitely made the job seem easier....so for all the "normal" people who want a 9 to 5 and stress and listen to their boss all day for 50-60 thousand a year, by all means go ahead. I'll gladly own a funeral home and deal with bodies for 5 times more than that :) Theres nothing wrong with embalming, someone has to do it
10 months ago
melissa msgil06 ((at)) yahoo dot com
Very interested in becoming a embalmer. I have just about completed a 2 year degree in science at the community college but is interested in becoming a embalmer with the intention of starting my own business in this field ...what do I do from this point?
10 months ago
Samantha slem8602 ((at)) hotmail dot com
I think this is all very interesting and I have been intrigued as well.. My friends think my desire for embalming is odd but i'm glad to see there is so many others that share my perspective! I want to pursue this profession but I don't know where to start if anyone has info plz let me know, I'd really appreciate it.
11 months ago
rico overhauled_funk ((at)) yahoo dot com
where i can find the school to get the course?
11 months ago
Johanna joclark_2007 ((at)) hotmail dot com
people like fred are wrong. you aren't a freak because you help people out in there toughest times or because you make the dead presentable for their loved ones. this is the job i'm looking for. and i will be proud to say that i'm a mortician!
11 months ago
fred blondieashley9191 ((at)) yahoo dot com
you people are weird... embalming is freaky, who would want to deal with a dead person... ummmmmmmm NOT ME. yall have fun with that.... weirdos
11 months ago
ANDREA FRAUSTOANDREA ((at)) YAHOO dot COM
PEOPLE ARE SO IGNORANT WHEN THEY SAY TO BECOME A BUTCHER LIKE THE GUY "COMMON SENSE" DOWN THERE. YOU'RE JUST BEING A JERK BECAUSE YOU WOULD'T BE ABLE TO HANDLE IT. I'M 19 YRS OLD AND JUST HAVE TWO SEMESTERS MORE UNTIL I'M FINISHED WITH THE PROGRAM. ITS A GOOD FIELD TO GET INTO..SO I SAY IF YOUR REALLY LOOKING FOR A JOB THAT WILL ALWAYS REQUIRE PEOPLE IN THE FIELD GET INTO EMBALMING..PEOPLE ARE DYING TO GET IN..LOL FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS.
about 1 year ago
Aznoni kznoni12 ((at)) gmail dot com
I do this as a job and love it! The down fall is that, yes, the salary stinks.. It's a bit more than what it's being quoted on there, but you still can't buy a house. I do it for passion but am pursuing another field. I just wish the industry can appreciate what our job is and pay us more. I can't understand why they are so greedy! It's not like they're losing money to pay us anymore. They're all just extremely GREEDY! If yearly salary rate changes every few months or years for other jobs, why shouldn't the funeral industry change too? It's sad to see, CNA's make more money than we do.
about 1 year ago
laura edithlau829 ((at)) yahoo dot com
i really like this job i think embalming is the right thing for me. my family is always telling that embalming is for a crazy person but i love it.
about 1 year ago
Person pet_shadow111 ((at)) yahoo dot com
My Dream Job!!!
about 1 year ago
davina davina678 ((at)) aol dot com
ive bin intersted in doing this job for about 4 years i think it is fascinating and that it helps the families deal with the pain easier as they can see there loved ones as they were
about 1 year ago
Common sense tuffy223 ((at)) hotmail dot com
What a hazardous job and most disgusting by society's standards. With the schooling and training involved they dare to have a median pay of 36k a year. Be a butcher you make double what they pay, you cant catch diseases it requires less training/schooling and you still get to be around blood and guts for all you sicko's out there.
about 1 year ago
uel black_pearl2k3 ((at)) yahoo dot com
im a registered nurse. my basic role is to preserve life and health, but the truth is, i really prefer to preserve the dead during their wake. im always dreaming to become a licensed embalmer and im planning it soon.
about 1 year ago
Dayana kat_5293_ ((at)) live dot com
when people would ask me what i want to do with my life, i would never know! but ever since i heard aboutembalmers i was reallllly interested! i cant wait till i get started with this!!
about 1 year ago
Cara bettie_hardy ((at)) yahoo dot com
Going to school for embalming next fall....can't wait to start my career!! It's what I've always wanted to do.
about 1 year ago
Boy edecastro ((at)) yahoo dot com
Im interested in this job....
about 1 year ago
Marco jecky_1220 ((at)) yahoo dot com
One this one of my interest.... Not the money... the nature of the work..... I can surely like this job.... Where can i go school for this.....
about 1 year ago
aisha tiff91_tresgirl ((at)) hotmail dot com
omg i have always wanted this job and people laugh at me cuz they think its gross, and the dont think i can do it ill show them. just give me a few years!!!!!!!!!
about 1 year ago
kahali mrs_big_red2005 ((at)) yahoo dot com
i think i will go ahead and get into this. i been thinking about this for a while so now i am going to go ahead and make this apart of my life.
about 1 year ago
anna anna dot m_101 ((at)) hotmail dot com
i think that embalming is the thing right for me.
about 1 year ago
Jessica xpoconoxgurlx ((at)) aim dot com
I'd give anything to become an Embalmer!
about 1 year ago
yaneri www dot yanericolin ((at)) yahoo dot com
hey that is the job i want :D