Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Base salary plus target annual bonus. Target bonus opportunity scales with role level, so a higher base carries a higher target percentage.
Base salary
$47,500
National baseline
Target bonus
$4,000
8.2% of base
Total target cash
$51,500
Base plus target bonus
Bonus percentiles:25th$2,50050th$4,00075th$6,500
Long-term incentive is not shown for this role. Equity awards are only disclosed publicly for the named executive officers of public companies, so no market figure exists for most jobs. See executive pay disclosures.
About this role
Crematory Operator is a professional role within the function in the Personal Care and Service job family.
Typical experience: varies by employer. Entry-level roles usually require little or no prior experience; senior roles typically require 5 or more years in the occupation. See the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the specific entry path.
Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Crematory Operator pay by experience level
Entry level$34,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$38,500
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$45,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$52,000
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$64,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+3.3%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
600
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Crematory Operator salary by industry
Personal and Laundry Services
2,800 workers
$47,000
Death Care Services
2,720 workers
$47,500
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
140 workers
$47,500
Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
140 workers
$47,500
Other Personal Services
80 workers
$39,000
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
Typical duties and FLSA status
Core duties
Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
FLSA classification (typical)
Typically Non-exempt · Service, trades, or production work
Occupations in this SOC group are typically classified as Non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay under FLSA rules. Actual classification depends on the specific job duties, salary basis, and any applicable state or local rules. The current federal salary threshold for exemption is $684 per week ($35,568 per year), per the 2020 Department of Labor rule; the 2024 rule that would have raised the threshold was struck down by federal court in November 2024.
How this role compares
Crematory Operator pays 0% below the average across 33 roles in the Personal Care and Service job family (family average $47,500).
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