Crematory Operator salary in Illinois
Crematory Operators in Illinois earn a median of $41,740 a year ($20.07 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,120 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $43,650. Illinois ranks 14th of 24 states for crematory operators pay. There are 0.03 crematory operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $41,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,520 | $17.56 |
| 25th percentile | $37,450 | $18.01 |
| Median | $41,740 | $20.07 |
| 75th percentile | $42,980 | $20.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,120 | $22.66 |
| Average (mean) | $41,760 | $20.08 |
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 | $3,478.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,739.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,605.38 |
| Weekly | $802.69 |
| Hourly | $20.07 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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 Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $69,600 | $33.46 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,690 | $17.16 |
| Embalmer | $61,730 | $29.68 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,770 | $15.75 |
| Animal Caretaker | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,020 | $22.61 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,130 | $21.22 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,150 | $23.63 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median salary for crematory operators in Illinois is $41,740 a year, or $20.07 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,520 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in Illinois?
The top 10% of crematory operators in Illinois earn at least $47,120 a year. The top 25% earn $42,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,520 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $37,450 or less.
How many crematory operators work in Illinois?
About 190 crematory operators are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.