Crematory Operator Salary
Crematory Operators earn a median $43,650 a year nationally. Personal Care and Service Occupations
What crematory operators do
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.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +3.1% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 500
Employment of crematory operators is projected to grow 3.1% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 500 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Crematory Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$3,058
- Social Security (6.2%)$2,706
- Medicare (1.45%)$633
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$37,253
Marginal rate: 12% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,270 | $16.00 | $28,912 |
| 25th percentile | $37,020 | $17.80 | $31,926 |
| Median (50th) | $43,650 | $20.99 | $37,253 |
| 75th percentile | $50,380 | $24.22 | $42,660 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,460 | $30.03 | $52,367 |
Crematory Operator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $64,220 | — | $51,736 | $48,460 – $71,270 | — |
| Massachusetts | $56,050 | +7.3% | $44,634 | $43,370 – $59,520 | 30 |
| Washington | $53,580 | +12.8% | $45,232 | $46,740 – $65,650 | 70 |
| Colorado | $52,060 | +1.2% | $42,428 | $37,440 – $72,300 | 70 |
| Delaware | $50,320 | — | $40,496 | $46,400 – $52,660 | 30 |
| Arizona | $49,970 | +27.2% | $41,290 | $39,410 – $57,770 | 40 |
| California | $49,780 | −0.2% | $40,495 | $44,030 – $67,190 | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,980 | −1.0% | $39,259 | $34,520 – $57,190 | 140 |
| Connecticut | $47,160 | — | $38,876 | $43,390 – $71,040 | 100 |
| Kansas | $46,490 | +30.0% | $37,740 | $38,500 – $59,170 | 50 |
| Nevada | $46,190 | +2.1% | $39,294 | $36,070 – $56,020 | 80 |
| West Virginia | $43,840 | +9.9% | $36,158 | $41,670 – $59,990 | 30 |
| Ohio | $43,530 | +2.2% | $36,742 | $36,190 – $47,990 | 60 |
| Illinois | $41,740 | +0.3% | $33,797 | $36,520 – $47,120 | 190 |
| North Carolina | $41,350 | +4.6% | $34,264 | $34,020 – $49,710 | 150 |
| Michigan | $40,970 | −8.4% | $33,609 | $30,310 – $53,090 | 130 |
| Indiana | $40,650 | +7.2% | $33,673 | $36,420 – $61,580 | 190 |
| Florida | $38,710 | +3.8% | $33,283 | $36,480 – $47,480 | 320 |
| Kentucky | $37,740 | −2.8% | $31,301 | $32,150 – $50,990 | 50 |
| Oregon | $37,020 | −11.4% | $29,516 | $31,200 – $50,990 | 100 |
| Tennessee | $35,880 | — | $31,010 | $34,580 – $38,380 | — |
| Iowa | $35,120 | — | $29,716 | $33,610 – $44,330 | — |
| Alabama | $33,840 | +5.6% | $27,943 | $32,270 – $49,540 | 40 |
| Texas | $33,270 | +0.7% | $28,912 | $29,790 – $50,690 | 270 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embalmer | $58,780 | Associate's degree | +0.7% |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,680 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.6% |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $55,010 | Associate's degree | +3.0% |
| Residential Advisor | $42,240 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.5% |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +8.8% |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $41,600 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.9% |
| Exercise Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor | $47,160 | High school diploma or equivalent | +7.3% |
| Animal Trainer | $39,990 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.2% |
| Concierge | $38,950 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.6% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,560 | High school diploma or equivalent | +5.3% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a crematory operator make?
The national median salary for crematory operators is $43,650 a year ($20.99 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $33,270 and the top 10% earn over $62,460. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays crematory operators the most?
Wisconsin has the highest median pay at $64,220.
How many crematory operators are there in the U.S.?
About 2,970 people work as crematory operators nationwide.