Crematory Operator salary in Iowa
Crematory Operators in Iowa earn a median of $35,120 a year ($16.89 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $33,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,330 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $43,650. Iowa ranks 22nd of 24 states for crematory operators pay. The average (mean) salary is $36,800, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,610 | $16.16 |
| 25th percentile | $33,610 | $16.16 |
| Median | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| 75th percentile | $35,980 | $17.30 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,330 | $21.31 |
| Average (mean) | $36,800 | $17.69 |
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 | $2,926.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,463.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,350.77 |
| Weekly | $675.38 |
| Hourly | $16.89 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $63,700 | $30.63 |
| Funeral Attendant | $40,060 | $19.26 |
| Embalmer | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,420 | $13.66 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,080 | $14.46 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,700 | $17.17 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,160 | $17.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,950 | $20.17 |
| Gambling Dealer | $23,020 | $11.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,850 | $17.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,780 | $18.64 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,720 | $12.37 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for crematory operators in Iowa is $35,120 a year, or $16.89 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,610 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in Iowa?
The top 10% of crematory operators in Iowa earn at least $44,330 a year. The top 25% earn $35,980 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,610 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $33,610 or less.