Social Services

Crematory Operators

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.

Median salary (BLS)

$43,650

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$33k – $62k

Job outlook

+3% (about average)

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$1,150

Time to qualify

1.5 yr

Renewal

$75/yr

1
High school diploma or GED
Course
Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.
$0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source
2
On-the-job training
Experience
Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.
Cost varies · 3 months source
3
State license — supervised hours + exam
License
Most counseling and social-work roles (LCSW/LPC pattern) require supervised experience hours and a state exam.
$200–$1,000 · 12 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Crematory Operators" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

Junior Crematory Operators
Entry / Junior
$33,270
~2 yrs to advance
Crematory Operators
Established
$43,650
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Crematory Operators
Senior
$53,055

Key skills

A typical day

Fields of study

Any field

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Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.