Crematory Operator salary in North Carolina
Crematory Operators in North Carolina earn a median of $41,350 a year ($19.88 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $34,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,710 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $43,650. North Carolina ranks 15th 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 $41,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,020 | $16.36 |
| 25th percentile | $35,970 | $17.29 |
| Median | $41,350 | $19.88 |
| 75th percentile | $48,300 | $23.22 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,710 | $23.90 |
| Average (mean) | $41,910 | $20.15 |
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 | $3,445.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,722.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,590.38 |
| Weekly | $795.19 |
| Hourly | $19.88 |
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 North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $60,730 | $29.20 |
| Embalmer | $68,550 | $32.96 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,680 | $12.83 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,140 | $14.01 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,450 | $22.33 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,870 | $14.84 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,410 | $18.47 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,040 | $23.58 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $45,400 | $21.83 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,130 | $18.81 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,120 | $18.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
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 North Carolina?
The median salary for crematory operators in North Carolina is $41,350 a year, or $19.88 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,020 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,710 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of crematory operators in North Carolina earn at least $49,710 a year. The top 25% earn $48,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,020 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $35,970 or less.
How many crematory operators work in North Carolina?
About 150 crematory operators are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.