Crematory Operator salary in California
Crematory Operators in California earn a median of $49,780 a year ($23.93 an hour), based on BLS data for 240 workers.
Pay ranges from $44,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,190 for the top 10%. That is 14% higher than the national median of $43,650. California ranks 7th of 24 states for crematory operators pay. There are 0.01 crematory operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.70). The average (mean) salary is $53,520, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $44,030 | $21.17 |
| 25th percentile | $46,680 | $22.44 |
| Median | $49,780 | $23.93 |
| 75th percentile | $60,190 | $28.94 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,190 | $32.30 |
| Average (mean) | $53,520 | $25.73 |
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 | $4,148.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,074.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,914.62 |
| Weekly | $957.31 |
| Hourly | $23.93 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Crematory Operator salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $47,000 | n/a |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $45,020 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for crematory operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $64,220 |
| Massachusetts | $56,050 |
| Washington | $53,580 |
| Colorado | $52,060 |
| Delaware | $50,320 |
| Arizona | $49,970 |
| California | $49,780 |
| Pennsylvania | $47,980 |
| Connecticut | $47,160 |
| Kansas | $46,490 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $50,750 | $24.40 |
| Funeral Attendant | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Embalmer | $60,060 | $28.87 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,780 | $19.12 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $18.59 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,700 | $18.60 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Gambling Dealer | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,770 | $18.64 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in California
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 California?
The median salary for crematory operators in California is $49,780 a year, or $23.93 an hour. Pay ranges from $44,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in California?
The top 10% of crematory operators in California earn at least $67,190 a year. The top 25% earn $60,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $44,030 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $46,680 or less.
How many crematory operators work in California?
About 240 crematory operators are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.