Funeral Attendant Salary in 2025: $35,680 Median, Top States Pay $55K+
Funeral attendants earn a median $35,680 per year, or about $17 an hour, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The typical pay range runs from $28,070 at the 10th percentile to $48,460 at the 90th, meaning most attendants earn somewhere in that band.
How much Funeral Attendants earn
The mean annual wage for funeral attendants is $37,190. Half of workers earn between the 25th percentile of $30,860 and the 75th percentile of $41,820. Only the top 10% clear $48,460, while the bottom 10% earn less than $28,070.
These figures are national averages. Your actual pay will depend on experience, employer, and whether you work part-time or full-time—many funeral attendants work irregular hours including evenings and weekends.
- National median: $35,680
- Typical range (10th–90th percentile): $28,070 to $48,460
- Mean hourly wage: $17.88
Pay by state
Funeral attendant wages vary significantly by location. New Hampshire tops the list with an average salary of $55,850—nearly 50% above the national mean. Rhode Island ($53,580) and Nevada ($51,980) also pay well above average, followed by Delaware ($46,720) and Massachusetts ($46,280).
At the lower end, South Carolina ($29,880), Tennessee ($29,600), and Kentucky ($29,160) offer the lowest average wages for this occupation. Relocating or commuting across state lines can make a meaningful difference in take-home pay.
How to become a Funeral Attendant
Funeral attendants typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most learning happens on the job, with experienced staff showing new hires how to prepare visitation rooms, greet mourners, assist with caskets, and handle paperwork.
Some states require funeral attendants to be licensed or registered, especially if they perform embalming or direct disposition. Requirements vary: check with your state’s funeral board. A few community colleges offer certificates or associate degrees in funeral service, but they’re usually not mandatory for attendants—those pathways lead more to funeral director roles.
- Minimum: high school diploma or GED
- On-the-job training (typically a few weeks to months)
- State license required in some states (check local regulations)
- Optional: funeral service certificate/degree for advancement
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of funeral attendants will grow 3.1% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 5,700 job openings each year over the decade, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field.
Demand will remain steady as death care is an essential service. Population aging and a growing number of deaths will sustain the need for attendants. Job prospects are best for those willing to work flexible hours and in smaller funeral homes where staff turnover creates opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a funeral attendant?
Entry-level funeral attendants earn around the 10th percentile, which is $28,070 annually or about $13.50 per hour. Pay increases with experience and responsibilities.
Do funeral attendants need a degree?
No, a high school diploma is the typical minimum. Some states require a license, but formal degrees are rare for attendants—they're more relevant for funeral directors.
What states pay funeral attendants the most?
The highest-paying states are New Hampshire ($55,850), Rhode Island ($53,580), and Nevada ($51,980). The lowest are Kentucky ($29,160), Tennessee ($29,600), and South Carolina ($29,880).
Is funeral attendant a growing career?
Yes, with 3.1% projected growth over 2024–2034, about as fast as average. About 5,700 openings per year are expected due to turnover and retirements.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Funeral Attendants data.