How much does a crematory operator make?

The median pay is $20.98 per hour — roughly $43,500 a year, with the real range running from about $16.00/hr (10th percentile) to $30.03/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a crematory operator?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a crematory operator actually do all day?

Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment. Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced. Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.

Personal Care & Service

Crematory Operators

Operate crematory equipment to reduce human or animal remains to bone fragments in accordance with state and local regulations. Duties may include preparing the body for cremation and performing general maintenance on crematory equipment. May use traditional flame-based cremation, calcination, or alkaline hydrolysis.

What it pays
Crematory Operators earn a median of $20.98/hr — about $43,500 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $16.00/hr; the top 10% earn $30.03/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
Pick up and handle human or pet remains in a respectful manner.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; time pressure is a real part of the job; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 4.8% of crematory operators are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a crematory operator make?: The median pay is $20.98 per hour — roughly $43,500 a year, with the real range running from about $16.00/hr (10th percentile) to $30.03/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a crematory operator?: The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).
What does a crematory operator actually do all day?: Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment. Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced. Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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