Embalmer

Learn what it takes to start a career as an embalmer, from training and licensing to daily responsibilities and career growth opportunities.

Lowest way in: Associate degree The least you can qualify with, not the most common route.
Time to get there: 2 to 4 years From a standing start, including any required experience.
License: License required Whether the law requires one to do this work at all.
Time with families: Occasional How much of the job is spent with dying people or the people who love them.
Typical pay: Not published BLS groups embalmers with funeral service workers rather than publishing a separate median. The group is projected to grow 4% through 2034, with about 5,800 openings a year. Closest BLS occupation.

Most states require the same mortuary science degree as funeral directing, and many people hold both licenses.

Key Things To Know

Embalmers combine technical training with deep respect for the human body, ensuring the deceased is cared for with dignity before final arrangements are made.

They prepare the body for viewing and burial — Using specialized techniques, embalmers clean, preserve, and present the body in a way that supports cultural, religious, or family traditions.
Licensing requirements vary by state — Some states require a separate embalmer license, while others combine it with funeral director licensing. Most require mortuary school and an apprenticeship.
It’s both science and art — Embalmers use chemistry, anatomy, and restoration techniques to prepare the body, often working to restore appearance after illness or trauma.
They work closely with funeral directors — While the roles are different, embalmers are often part of a funeral home team and coordinate closely with directors to ensure seamless care.
Embalming is not always required — Not every funeral involves embalming. Direct cremation or certain religious practices may not use it, but when chosen, it can make viewings possible.
It’s a role that requires emotional resilience Embalmers regularly work with death and must maintain professionalism while being mindful of the families they serve behind the scenes.
They often work nontraditional hours — Bodies may arrive at all times of day or night, and embalmers may need to be on-call or flexible depending on the case load and funeral schedule.
There’s a difference between embalming and funeral directing — While many professionals do both, embalming focuses strictly on preparation and preservation. It requires a distinct skill set and training path.

Why Choose This Career?

If you have a steady hand, a scientific mind, and a compassionate heart, a career in embalming offers a unique way to serve families during one of life’s most difficult moments.

You provide visible peace to grieving families: Embalming allows loved ones to see the person they’ve lost looking peaceful, cared for, and dignified. That visual memory can be a powerful part of the healing process.
Your work is essential, even if it’s unseen: Though embalmers rarely interact with the public, their behind-the-scenes role is critical. The quality of their work directly shapes the funeral experience.
You bring together science, skill, and service: This profession blends anatomical knowledge, chemical handling, artistry, and restoration… all in service of honoring a person’s life and legacy.
There’s growing demand for skilled professionals: As many current embalmers approach retirement, new professionals with strong training and attention to detail are needed across the country.
You’ll have a sense of purpose in your work: Every case is different, and each one requires your full attention. For those who take pride in doing important work with care and precision, it’s deeply rewarding.

Job Responsibilities

Embalmers are responsible for the preparation, preservation, and presentation of the deceased. Their work is deeply technical, highly detailed, and performed with care and respect.

Perform embalming procedures: Clean, disinfect, and preserve the body using arterial and cavity embalming techniques, in accordance with legal and health standards.
Restore and present the body for viewing: Use restorative art techniques to repair physical trauma, illness effects, or disfigurement, ensuring the person appears natural and at peace.
Handle preparation logistics and documentation: Record details of embalming procedures, complete necessary legal and health forms, and ensure proper identification and chain of custody.
Coordinate with funeral directors and care teams: Communicate timing, special requests, and case-specific needs to ensure the body is ready for services, cremation, or transport.
Maintain the preparation room and equipment: Follow health and safety regulations to clean and disinfect tools, surfaces, and embalming machines; monitor chemical inventories and safety supplies.
Adapt to different cultural and religious expectations: Adjust techniques based on family wishes, spiritual practices, or customs that guide preparation and presentation.
Handle cases with discretion and emotional sensitivity: Work with professionalism and care when preparing bodies in difficult or traumatic conditions, always mindful of the people they once were and the families they leave behind.

Education and Certification Requirements

Becoming an embalmer requires formal training in mortuary science, hands-on experience under supervision, and state-specific licensing.

Earn a degree in mortuary science: Most embalmers complete a two-year associate or four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited mortuary science program, covering anatomy, pathology, chemistry, restorative art, and ethics.
Complete an apprenticeship or internship: Nearly every state requires practical training under the supervision of a licensed embalmer, and this apprenticeship usually ranges from 1 to 2 years depending on state law. Colorado is the exception: it stopped licensing individual funeral professionals in 1983, and under a new state law licensing becomes mandatory on January 1, 2027.
Pass the National Board Examination (NBE): The NBE includes a science section focused on embalming and preparation. Some states also require a state-specific exam covering laws and regulations.
Apply for state licensure: Each state has its own licensing board and requirements. Some issue a standalone embalmer license, while others combine it with funeral directing. Continuing education is often required to maintain licensure.
Stay current on laws, chemicals, and safety protocols: Ongoing training may be required for OSHA compliance, bloodborne pathogen standards, and updates in embalming fluids and restorative techniques.

How To Get Started

Becoming an embalmer takes a mix of formal education, practical training, and commitment to detail-oriented, respectful work. Here’s how to begin.

Explore the profession early: Shadow a licensed embalmer, volunteer at a funeral home, or visit a mortuary science program to see if the work aligns with your interests and values.
Enroll in an accredited mortuary science program: Choose a school approved by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). Programs typically include both classroom instruction and lab work.
Apply for an apprenticeship or internship: Most states require supervised, hands-on experience. Many students begin apprenticeships during or right after school, working under the guidance of a licensed embalmer.
Take and pass the National Board Examination (NBE): The science section of the NBE covers embalming, anatomy, pathology, microbiology, and related subjects. Study resources are available through most mortuary programs.
Apply for state licensure: Submit your application and apprenticeship records to your state’s funeral board. If your state requires additional exams or interviews, complete them as part of the process.
Stay connected and keep learning: Join professional associations, attend conferences, and take continuing education courses to stay sharp, informed, and compliant.

What Makes Someone A Good Fit

Embalming isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it can be a meaningful and rewarding path within funeral service.

You’re detail-oriented and precise: This role involves technical procedures where accuracy matters. Small oversights can affect the final presentation and safety.
You’re emotionally steady and composed: You’ll work closely with the deceased and must remain calm and professional, even in difficult or emotionally charged situations.
You’re comfortable with science and anatomy: A solid understanding of biology, chemistry, and physiology is essential to perform embalming procedures safely and effectively.
You value privacy and professionalism: Embalmers work behind the scenes but carry great responsibility. Families depend on their integrity and discretion.
You’re okay with irregular hours: The work can involve evenings, weekends, and unexpected calls. Flexibility and availability are important.
You find meaning in quiet service: Embalmers help families grieve by ensuring loved ones are presented with dignity. It’s purposeful work done out of sight but never without impact.

And who it is probably not for

This is close, physical work with the dead, often alone, in a room that smells of chemicals. If the practical reality of a body is something you would rather not think about in detail, that is worth knowing before you spend two years training. People drawn to the comfort-the-family side of funeral service usually find directing the better fit.

Ruling something out is a useful result. If this is not the one, there are 26 others.

Embalming is one of the most misunderstood roles in funeral service. Here’s the truth behind some of the most common misconceptions.

Common questions

Myth: Embalming is always required

In most cases it is not. No state requires embalming simply because there will be a public viewing; that is a funeral home policy, not a law. A handful of states require embalming or refrigeration only if final disposition is delayed beyond a set number of hours, and some destination countries require it for international repatriation. The FTC Funeral Rule requires a funeral home to tell you that embalming is not generally required by law.

Myth: It’s a creepy or morbid job

Embalmers are trained professionals who approach the work with empathy and skill. The role is grounded in science and service... not fear, horror, or stereotypes.

Myth: Anyone can do it with a little training

Embalming requires formal education, licensure, and significant hands-on practice. It’s a highly technical job that demands precision, resilience, and continued learning.

Myth: It’s just about appearance

While presentation matters, embalming is also about sanitation and preservation. It helps prevent decomposition and provides time and dignity for final arrangements.

Myth: The family doesn’t notice the difference

Families often express deep gratitude when their loved one looks peaceful. A skilled embalmer helps shape the final memory, which can be an important part of the grieving process.

Myth: Embalming chemicals are dangerously toxic to everyone

Modern embalming fluids are carefully handled by trained professionals using strict safety protocols. While some chemicals can be hazardous in concentrated or unprotected exposure, embalmers are trained in ventilation, protective gear, and OSHA standards to ensure safe working conditions.

Myth: All religions prohibit embalming

Embalming slows the natural process but does not stop it forever. It temporarily preserves the body, typically for viewings, services, or transportation. How long the effects last depends on multiple factors including environment, technique, and body condition.

Myth: Embalming stops decomposition entirely

It only slows the process. Embalming provides temporary preservation, allowing time for viewings, services, and family travel, but it does not stop decomposition forever.

Is embalming the same as being a funeral director?

No. While some professionals are licensed in both roles, embalming focuses specifically on preparing and preserving the body. Funeral directors handle arrangements, paperwork, and interactions with families.

Do all funeral homes have embalmers on staff?

Not always. Some funeral homes have in-house embalmers, while others work with licensed professionals on a contract basis, especially in smaller or rural communities.

Can someone become an embalmer without going to mortuary school?

In most states, no. Formal education from an accredited mortuary science program is required, along with an apprenticeship and passing the National Board Examination.

How long does the embalming process take?

Most procedures take two to four hours, depending on the condition of the body, family requests, and any restorative needs.

Is embalming required for cremation?

No. Embalming is never legally required for cremation, including when there is a public viewing first. A funeral home may have its own policy for a public viewing, but it must tell you that the law does not require it. Many direct cremations involve no embalming at all.

Is it safe to be around an embalmed body?

Yes. Embalmed bodies are sanitized and preserved using chemicals designed for safety. When properly handled, they pose no health risk to the public.

Do embalmers work with people who died from infectious diseases?

Yes, but with extra precautions. Embalmers are trained in bloodborne pathogen safety and use personal protective equipment to handle infectious cases safely.

Can embalmers do reconstructive work after trauma or accidents?

Yes. Embalmers are trained in restorative art techniques to help repair injuries or disfigurement and present the deceased in a natural and peaceful way.

Do embalmers talk to families?

Sometimes. Embalmers usually work behind the scenes, but in smaller firms or combined roles, they may also speak with families about preparation or special requests.

Can the family watch the embalming process?

In most cases, no. Embalming is performed in a private, clinical setting for safety and sanitation reasons. However, some funeral homes may allow supervised observation in rare circumstances and only with advance approval.

How soon after death does embalming need to happen?

Ideally, embalming should begin within 24 hours after death to ensure the best preservation and presentation. If refrigeration is available, it can extend the timeline slightly, but earlier is generally better for quality and safety.

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