Embalmer

Your Fit

Income

$56K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

0.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Embalmer?

An Embalmer is a professional responsible for preserving and preparing deceased bodies for funeral services and interment. This process involves sanitizing, preserving, and restoring the body to a presentable appearance for viewings or funerals.

Sample job titles:

Embalmer, Licensed Embalmer, Trade Embalmer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Embalmer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Embalmer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$35K per year	$46K per year	$56K per year	$65K per year	$79K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.78K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Embalmer do?

Work environment

Embalming typically takes place in funeral homes or mortuaries. The environment is clinical and requires the use of protective gear due to exposure to chemicals and biological hazards. Embalmers often work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate funeral schedules.

Quick task list

Sanitizes and embalms the deceased using various chemicals.
Restores the appearance of the body, including cosmetology and reconstruction techniques.
Keeps detailed records of the embalming process and chemicals used.
Adheres to health and safety standards and legal requirements.
Works with funeral directors to coordinate funeral service preparations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Restorative Art: Specializing in advanced reconstruction techniques for bodies with significant damage or decomposition.
Desairology: Focusing on the cosmetic aspect, including hairdressing and makeup.
Clinical Embalming: Specializing in embalming for medical and scientific purposes, such as for educational cadavers.
Cultural Embalming Practices: Specializing in embalming techniques specific to cultural or religious practices.
Green Embalming: Using eco-friendly and less toxic embalming methods.

Description

The role of an embalmer is critical in the funeral industry, combining scientific knowledge with a compassionate approach. Embalmers must have a thorough understanding of anatomy, chemistry, and mortuary techniques. The embalming process is complex and requires precision, attention to detail, and a steady hand. Embalmers use various chemicals to sanitize and preserve the body, and they may also perform restorative work to ensure the deceased looks peaceful and natural for viewings.

This profession requires a unique blend of technical skill and emotional strength. Embalmers work closely with funeral directors and must be able to communicate effectively with grieving families, showing empathy and respect. They often work behind the scenes, but their work is crucial in helping families find closure and say their final goodbyes.

Embalming is a profession that demands high ethical standards and a commitment to dignified treatment of the deceased. It involves adhering to strict health and safety regulations to protect both the embalmer and the public. The role also requires a level of physical stamina, as embalmers may need to stand for long periods and sometimes handle heavy equipment or bodies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Providing a valuable service to grieving families during a difficult time.
The technical challenge and precision involved in the embalming process.
Contributing to a dignified and respectful funeral experience.

You might make a good Embalmer if you are...

Compassionate and empathetic, with the ability to work respectfully with the deceased.
Detail-oriented, with a strong interest in anatomy and chemistry.
Able to handle emotionally challenging situations.
Committed to upholding high standards of health and safety.
Interested in a blend of science, art, and customer service.

Pros:

Providing an essential service in the funeral industry.
Opportunities for specialization and skill development.
The satisfaction of helping families during a difficult time.

Cons:

Emotional and physical demands of working with deceased bodies.
Exposure to chemicals and potential health risks.
Irregular working hours, including on-call duties.

How to become an Embalmer

Typical education

To become an embalmer, one usually needs to complete a mortuary science program, which can be 2-4 years in length, depending on whether it culminates in an associate degree or a bachelor's degree. Additionally, embalmers must pass a national or state licensing exam.

High school preparation

Courses:

Biology and Chemistry to understand the scientific aspects of the profession.
Art, especially focusing on anatomy, for developing skills in restorative techniques.
Psychology to gain insight into grieving processes and empathy.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at a local funeral home or hospice.
Participating in health science or medical clubs.
Engaging in community service to develop interpersonal skills.

Preparation after high school

Enrolling in a mortuary science program, which can be found at many community colleges and some universities.
Completing an apprenticeship under a licensed embalmer to gain hands-on experience.
Obtaining licensure, which typically involves passing a national and/or state examination and completing continuing education.

More resources

National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) - Provides resources, education, and certification opportunities for funeral service professionals.
The American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) - The national academic accreditation agency for college and university programs in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Education.
International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards - Offers information on national board exams and licensing requirements.
Embalmer's Association (or a similar organization in your country) - Provides professional development and networking opportunities for embalmers.

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