An embalmer prepares deceased individuals for viewing and burial through a combination of technical skill, chemical knowledge, and compassionate care. The work is precise, meaningful, and typically requires an associate degree to enter the field.
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Embalmers use chemistry and anatomy to preserve and restore the appearance of deceased individuals. You'll handle and move bodies with care, apply restorative techniques, and document all procedures to meet legal and professional standards. The work requires you to make decisions about treatment based on each person's condition, gather information from families and medical records, and evaluate your work against industry compliance standards. You'll communicate with grieving families, answer their questions, and provide support during a difficult time. Attention to detail and knowledge of both the science and the human side of this work are essential.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Embalmers earn a median of $58,780 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is modest. Employment is projected to grow 1 percent from 2024 to 2034, little or no change for all occupations, with about 600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most embalmers complete an associate degree program that covers chemistry, biology, anatomy, and the technical and legal aspects of embalming. These programs typically include both classroom instruction and hands-on training. You'll study customer service and psychology to work effectively with families, along with English and law to understand regulations and documentation requirements. After completing your education, you'll need to meet your state's specific licensing requirements. Job Zone 3 preparation means you should be ready for medium-level complexity and responsibility as you enter the field.
The path to becoming an embalmer centers on completing an associate degree program and meeting your state's licensing requirements. If you're exploring this career, Pathly can map the embalmer path that fits you with your school counselor to map out the education steps and timeline that work for your situation.
Many embalmers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to hands-on, practical work that helps others during important moments. You're comfortable with technical detail, scientific knowledge, and direct human interaction in a respectful, caring setting.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).