How do I become a crematory operator?

The typical entry-level education is usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..

How much does a crematory operator make?

The median pay in the United States is $43,650 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

How to become a crematory operator

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.

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.Typical entry-level education

$43,650Median pay a year

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.

Is crematory operator a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 14% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

Massachusetts $56,050
Washington $53,580
Colorado $52,060
Delaware $50,320
Arizona $49,970

Crematory Operators salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.