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.
Crematory Operators
SOC: 39-4012 O*NET: 39-4012.00
Median Salary
$43,650
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.3%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.6
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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 does a Crematory Operators do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,270
10th percentile
Early Career
$37,020
25th percentile
Median
$43,650
50th percentile
Experienced
$50,380
75th percentile
Top Earners
$62,460
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,270
25th
$37,020
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$43,650
Mean: $45,670
75th
$50,380
90th
$62,460
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $29,190 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $37,020 and $50,380
- •Salary spread is 30.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 2,970 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:3,100
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)94.3%
Personal and Laundry Services94.3%
Death Care Services91.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.3%
Annual Openings:600
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)3,100
Current
2034 (Projected)3,200
+3.3%
+100
Employment Change
+3.3%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Crematory Operators professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 24 locations
Florida
320 jobs$38,7101.69x
Texas
270 jobs$33,2701.00x
California
240 jobs$49,7800.70x
Illinois
190 jobs$41,7401.61x
Indiana
190 jobs$40,6503.17x
North Carolina
150 jobs$41,3501.58x
Pennsylvania
140 jobs$47,9801.24x
Michigan
130 jobs$40,9701.57x
Connecticut
100 jobs$47,1603.09x
Oregon
100 jobs$37,0202.59x
Nevada
80 jobs$46,1902.60x
Washington
70 jobs$53,5801.05x
Colorado
70 jobs$52,0601.24x
Ohio
60 jobs$43,5300.60x
Kansas
50 jobs$46,4902.00x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Crematory Operators
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
12
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
0
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Pick up and handle human or pet remains in a respectful manner.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Place corpses into crematory machines to reduce remains to bone fragments using flame, heat, or alkaline hydrolysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Pulverize remaining bone fragments into smaller pieces, using specialized equipment, such as a cremulator or grinder.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Read documentation to confirm the identity of the deceased.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Remove jewelry, watches, or other personal items from the deceased prior to cremation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •58% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Crematory Operators
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Crematory Operators professionals typically have a RCS Holland code
RRealistic
CConventional
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Crematory Operators
Complete Work Styles Profile
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Crematory Operators.
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