Crematory Operator salary in Tennessee
Crematory Operators in Tennessee earn a median of $35,880 a year ($17.25 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $34,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,380 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $43,650. Tennessee ranks 21st of 24 states for crematory operators pay. The average (mean) salary is $36,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for crematory operators in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $34,580 | $16.63 |
| 25th percentile | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| Median | $35,880 | $17.25 |
| 75th percentile | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| Average (mean) | $36,330 | $17.47 |
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 | $2,990 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,495 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,380 |
| Weekly | $690 |
| Hourly | $17.25 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $29,600 | $14.23 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Embalmer | $55,170 | $26.52 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for crematory operators in Tennessee is $35,880 a year, or $17.25 an hour. Pay ranges from $34,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $38,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid crematory operators make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of crematory operators in Tennessee earn at least $38,380 a year. The top 25% earn $38,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for crematory operators in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $34,580 a year, and a quarter of crematory operators earn $35,570 or less.