Crematory Operator salary in Kentucky
Crematory Operators in Kentucky earn a median of $37,740 a year ($18.15 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,990 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $43,650. Kentucky ranks 19th of 24 states for crematory operators pay. There are 0.03 crematory operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $38,730, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| 25th percentile | $34,200 | $16.44 |
| Median | $37,740 | $18.15 |
| 75th percentile | $41,170 | $19.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,990 | $24.52 |
| Average (mean) | $38,730 | $18.62 |
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 | $3,145 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,572.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,451.54 |
| Weekly | $725.77 |
| Hourly | $18.15 |
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 Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $37,750 | 30 |
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 Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Embalmer | $49,860 | $23.97 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,920 | $13.90 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,400 | $15.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,280 | $21.77 |
| Residential Advisor | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,930 | $12.46 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,490 | $19.95 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for crematory operators in Kentucky is $37,740 a year, or $18.15 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of crematory operators in Kentucky earn at least $50,990 a year. The top 25% earn $41,170 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,150 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $34,200 or less.
How many crematory operators work in Kentucky?
About 50 crematory operators are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.