Crematory Operators
39-4012.00

A subset of this occupation's profile is available. Data collection is currently underway to populate other parts of the profile.

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • 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.
  • Place corpses into crematory machines to reduce remains to bone fragments using flame, heat, or alkaline hydrolysis.
  • Pulverize remaining bone fragments into smaller pieces, using specialized equipment, such as a cremulator or grinder.
  • Read documentation to confirm the identity of the deceased.
  • Remove jewelry, watches, or other personal items from the deceased prior to cremation.
  • Sweep or vacuum the cremation chamber to retrieve remains for storage in an urn or other container.
  • Transport the deceased to a funeral home or crematory using a van, hearse, or other vehicle.

back to top

Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

Hot technology
Hot Technologies are requirements most frequently included across all employer job postings.

back to top

Occupational Requirements

Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

back to top

Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Related Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, tellers, and dental laboratory technicians.
SVP Range
(4.0 to < 6.0)

back to top

Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
State licenses

back to top

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Start your career and build your skillset. Visit Apprenticeship.gov external site to learn about opportunities related to this occupation.

back to top

Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
83
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
56
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
29
 
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
19
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
8
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
8
 
Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

back to top

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2023)
$20.03 hourly, $41,670 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2023)
3,200 employees
Projected growth (2023-2033)
Average (3% to 5%)
Projected job openings (2023-2033)
500
State trends
Top industries (2023)
Other Services (Except Public Administration) (87% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data external site and 2023-2033 employment projections external site. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2023-2033). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

back to top

Job Openings on the Web

State job openings
Local job openings

back to top

More Information

back to top

Professional Associations

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

National Associations
Accreditation, Certification, & Unions

back to top