How much does a crematory operator make?
The median crematory operator in the United States earns $42,880 per year, about $20.62 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all crematory operators earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 39-4012.
Crematory operator salary range
Pay for crematory operators spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $31,970 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $60,260. The average (mean) wage of $44,790 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,970 | $15.37 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $35,890 | $17.25 | |
| Median (50th) | $42,880 | $20.62 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $49,800 | $23.94 | |
| 90th percentile | $60,260 | $28.97 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for crematory operators (SOC 39-4012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Crematory operator salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Crematory operators earn the most in Maryland at $69,010 a year, and the least in South Carolina at $31,510. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $69,010 | 30 |
| New Jersey | $59,240 | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $52,240 | 50 |
| Colorado | $51,450 | 80 |
| New York | $50,490 | 30 |
| California | $49,860 | 220 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,480 | 410 |
| Washington | $47,480 | 80 |
| Nevada | $45,260 | 70 |
| Michigan | $44,710 | 100 |
| Virginia | $43,190 | N/A |
| Ohio | $42,600 | 190 |
| Oregon | $41,770 | 110 |
| Illinois | $41,600 | 100 |
| West Virginia | $39,900 | 40 |
| North Carolina | $39,550 | 100 |
| Arizona | $39,270 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $38,840 | N/A |
| Indiana | $37,930 | 130 |
| Florida | $37,300 | 440 |
| Kansas | $35,750 | N/A |
| Texas | $33,040 | 220 |
| Alabama | $32,040 | 50 |
| South Carolina | $31,510 | N/A |
State median wages for crematory operators (SOC 39-4012), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for crematory operators
The BLS projects employment of crematory operators to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035. That is about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 3,000 jobs in 2025 moving toward 3,100 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 500 openings a year for crematory operators. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a crematory operator
The typical entry-level education for crematory operators is a high school diploma or equivalent, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete short-term on-the-job training to reach full competency.
A four-year college degree is usually not required to start, which makes this one of the jobs you can enter without a bachelor's degree. See more high paying jobs without a degree .
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a crematory operator earns
Employer, clientele, region, and in many cases tips shape pay. Established professionals in affluent, high cost areas earn near the top of the range.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Maryland, $69,010) and the lowest (South Carolina, $31,510) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 2,950 people work as crematory operators in the United States. At $42,880 a year, the job pays below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Crematory operator salary FAQ
How much does a crematory operator make an hour?
The median hourly wage for a crematory operator is $20.62. The middle half of crematory operators earn between $17.25 and $23.94 per hour.
What is the highest crematory operator salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of crematory operators earn more than $60,260 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a crematory operator make a year?
The median annual salary for a crematory operator is $42,880. The average (mean) wage of $44,790 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a crematory operator a well paid job?
At $42,880 a year, a crematory operator earns below the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 2,950 people work as crematory operators in the United States.
Which state pays crematory operators the most?
Maryland has the highest median salary for crematory operators at $69,010 a year. New Jersey ($59,240) and Massachusetts ($52,240) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a crematory operator a good career?
Employment of crematory operators is projected to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 500 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a crematory operator?
No. The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for crematory operators as a high school diploma or equivalent, so a four-year degree is usually not required to start.
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