Embalmers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Embalmers fall under the Personal Care and Service category in the U.S. occupational classification. Embalmers earn a median salary of $56,280 per year, ranking in the top 54% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.3% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, certifications, or postsecondary credentials, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do embalmers earn?

The median annual wage for embalmers is $56,280. That puts embalmers at #440 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is around or below the U.S. median for individual workers, so career growth often depends on advancement into supervisory roles, specialization, or additional credentials. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is embalmers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for embalmers is +1.3%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 3K positions in 2024 to 3K in 2034, a net change of 0K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do embalmers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working embalmers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Join lips, using needles and thread or wire.
2. 2.Close incisions, using needles and sutures.
3. 3.Insert convex celluloid or cotton between eyeballs and eyelids to prevent slipping and sinking of eyelids.
4. 4.Apply cosmetics to impart lifelike appearance to the deceased.
5. 5.Attach trocar to pump-tube, start pump, and repeat probing to force embalming fluid into organs.
6. 6.Wash and dry bodies, using germicidal soap and towels or hot air dryers.
7. 7.Arrange funeral home equipment and perform general maintenance.
8. 8.Conform to laws of health and sanitation and ensure that legal requirements concerning embalming are met.

Top skills for embalmers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become embalmer?

Many embalmers enter the field with a high school diploma plus on-the-job training, though employers increasingly favor candidates with certifications or some postsecondary coursework. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers
  $61,590 median
• Costume Attendants
  $54,810 median
• Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
  $50,280 median
• Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
  $49,800 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
  $47,080 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services
  $46,900 median

Common questions parents ask about embalmers