Crematory Operator salary in the U.S.
Crematory Operators in the U.S. earn a median of $43,650 a year ($20.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,970 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,460 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $45,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,270 | $16.00 |
| 25th percentile | $37,020 | $17.80 |
| Median | $43,650 | $20.98 |
| 75th percentile | $50,380 | $24.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,460 | $30.03 |
| Average (mean) | $45,670 | $21.96 |
Half of crematory operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,637.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,818.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,678.85 |
| Weekly | $839.42 |
| Hourly | $20.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Crematory Operator salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $64,220 | n/a |
| Massachusetts | $56,050 | 30 |
| Washington | $53,580 | 70 |
| Colorado | $52,060 | 70 |
| Delaware | $50,320 | 30 |
| Arizona | $49,970 | 40 |
| California | $49,780 | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,980 | 140 |
| Connecticut | $47,160 | 100 |
| Kansas | $46,490 | 50 |
| Nevada | $46,190 | 80 |
| West Virginia | $43,840 | 30 |
| Ohio | $43,530 | 60 |
| Illinois | $41,740 | 190 |
| North Carolina | $41,350 | 150 |
| Michigan | $40,970 | 130 |
| Indiana | $40,650 | 190 |
| Florida | $38,710 | 320 |
| Kentucky | $37,740 | 50 |
| Oregon | $37,020 | 100 |
| Tennessee | $35,880 | n/a |
| Iowa | $35,120 | n/a |
| Alabama | $33,840 | 40 |
| Texas | $33,270 | 270 |
Best-paying metro areas for crematory operators
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $59,510 | 30 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $50,330 | 40 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $47,000 | n/a |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $45,020 | 40 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | $39,240 | 70 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $38,980 | 80 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $37,750 | 30 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $36,180 | n/a |
Metro areas with the most crematory operators
| Metro area | Workers | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | 80 | $38,980 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 70 | $39,240 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 40 | $50,330 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 40 | $45,020 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 30 | $59,510 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | 30 | $37,750 |
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $35,680 | $17.16 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $55,010 | $26.45 |
| Embalmer | $58,780 | $28.26 |
| Childcare Worker | $34,980 | $16.82 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,560 | $17.58 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,790 | $17.21 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,760 | $17.19 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,560 | $23.34 |
| Residential Advisor | $42,240 | $20.31 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-4012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a crematory operator make in the U.S.?
The median salary for crematory operators in the U.S. is $43,650 a year, or $20.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,270 for the lowest-paid 10% to $62,460 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of crematory operators in the U.S. earn at least $62,460 a year. The top 25% earn $50,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,270 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $37,020 or less.
How many crematory operators work in the U.S.?
About 2,970 crematory operators are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.