How much does a embalmer make?
The median embalmer in the United States earns $58,780 per year, about $28.26 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all embalmers earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 39-4011.
Embalmer salary range
Pay for embalmers spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $38,310 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $77,570. The average (mean) wage is $58,390, close to the median.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,310 | $18.42 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $48,010 | $23.08 | |
| Median (50th) | $58,780 | $28.26 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $66,130 | $31.80 | |
| 90th percentile | $77,570 | $37.29 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for embalmers (SOC 39-4011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Embalmer salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Embalmers earn the most in Ohio at $71,550 a year, and the least in Iowa at $39,490. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | $71,550 | 80 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,950 | 50 |
| North Carolina | $68,550 | 70 |
| Missouri | $66,490 | 160 |
| Virginia | $63,810 | 120 |
| Kansas | $63,160 | 120 |
| Indiana | $62,400 | N/A |
| South Carolina | $61,820 | 140 |
| Illinois | $61,730 | 60 |
| Rhode Island | $60,310 | 40 |
| Florida | $60,170 | 300 |
| California | $60,060 | 520 |
| Mississippi | $58,900 | 40 |
| Arkansas | $58,250 | 90 |
| Texas | $57,350 | 680 |
| Oregon | $57,170 | 70 |
| Colorado | $57,100 | 70 |
| Tennessee | $55,170 | 180 |
| Georgia | $55,000 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $54,890 | 150 |
| Massachusetts | $54,320 | 100 |
| West Virginia | $54,060 | 50 |
| Alabama | $53,080 | 90 |
| Washington | $50,610 | 40 |
| Kentucky | $49,860 | 280 |
| Oklahoma | $49,120 | 90 |
| New Mexico | $45,340 | 30 |
| Iowa | $39,490 | N/A |
State median wages for embalmers (SOC 39-4011), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for embalmers
The BLS projects employment of embalmers to hold roughly steady from 2025 to 2035. That is little or no change, compared with 3.5% average growth for all occupations. That works out to roughly 3,900 jobs in 2025 moving toward 4,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 700 openings a year for embalmers. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an embalmer
The typical entry-level education for embalmers is an associate's degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete long-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an embalmer earns
Employer, clientele, region, and in many cases tips shape pay. Established professionals in affluent, high cost areas earn near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Ohio, $71,550) and the lowest (Iowa, $39,490) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 3,890 people work as embalmers in the United States. At $58,780 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Embalmer salary FAQ
How much does an embalmer make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an embalmer is $28.26. The middle half of embalmers earn between $23.08 and $31.80 per hour.
What is the highest embalmer salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of embalmers earn more than $77,570 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an embalmer make a year?
The median annual salary for an embalmer is $58,780. The average (mean) wage is $58,390, close to the median.
Is being an embalmer a well paid job?
At $58,780 a year, an embalmer earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 3,890 people work as embalmers in the United States.
Which state pays embalmers the most?
Ohio has the highest median salary for embalmers at $71,550 a year. Pennsylvania ($69,950) and North Carolina ($68,550) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being an embalmer a good career?
Employment of embalmers is projected to hold roughly steady 0.7% from 2025 to 2035, little or no change, compared with 3.5% average growth for all occupations. The BLS projects about 700 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an embalmer?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for embalmers as an associate's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
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