Funeral Attendants
Perform a variety of tasks during funeral, such as placing casket in parlor or chapel prior to service, arranging floral offerings or lights around casket, directing or escorting mourners, closing casket, and issuing and storing funeral equipment.
SOC: 39-4021.00
Common Job Titles
Funeral AssistantFuneral AttendantFuneral DirectorFuneral Home Assistant
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onCoordinate casket placement, floral arrangements, and memorial lighting in chapel and parlor settings prior to funeral services, ensuring reverent presentation.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate compassionate service delivery with family cultural and religious preferences when assisting bereaved families during emotionally sensitive funeral ceremonies.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate casket lowering devices, church trucks, and funeral transport equipment following established safety protocols during funeral and burial services.Developing
- MindsetRespect mourner needs and emotional states while escorting and directing attendees throughout funeral proceedings.Developing
- KnowledgeApply customer service principles and funeral home protocols when coordinating logistics for diverse funeral services and memorial events.Developing
- Hands-onHandle caskets, memorial equipment, and ceremonial materials with care and precision during setup, service, and teardown activities.Developing
- KnowledgeDiscuss funeral service arrangements and family requests through active listening and clear verbal communication with grieving families.Developing
- KnowledgeExplain funeral procedures, facility layouts, and service timelines to family members and mourners unfamiliar with funeral protocols.Developing
- Hands-onPerform vehicle operation for hearses and mortuary transport adhering to traffic laws and respectful driving practices during funeral processions.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify equipment maintenance needs and supply inventory requirements during routine inspection and storage of funeral equipment and materials.Emerging
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Funeral Attendants (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
30,560
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $26,820 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $46,690 |
| Workers on average earn | $35,900 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- English Language3.9/5
- Administrative3.4/5
- Transportation3.0/5
- Computers and Electronics2.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Bookkeeping softwareiCIMS Talent Cloud software
Tools & Equipment
Body bridgesCasket carriagesCasket lowering devicesCompaction tampersCremation standsDump trailersFuneral church trucksHearses