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 Assistant
Funeral Attendant
Funeral Director
Funeral Home Assistant
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $26,820. 25th percentile: U.S. $29,420. 50th percentile: U.S. $34,610. 75th percentile: U.S. $39,230. 90th percentile: U.S. $46,690. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
