Embalmer salary in California
Embalmers in California earn a median of $60,060 a year ($28.87 an hour), based on BLS data for 520 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,590 for the top 10%. That is 2% higher than the national median of $58,780. California ranks 12th of 28 states for embalmers pay. There are 0.03 embalmers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $62,550, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for embalmers in California
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,310 | $22.74 |
| 25th percentile | $50,730 | $24.39 |
| Median | $60,060 | $28.87 |
| 75th percentile | $75,870 | $36.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,590 | $38.75 |
| Average (mean) | $62,550 | $30.07 |
Half of embalmers 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 | $5,005 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,502.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,310 |
| Weekly | $1,155 |
| Hourly | $28.87 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Embalmer salary in cities in California
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $61,570 | 210 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $60,890 | 70 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $58,930 | 30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $55,380 | 40 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $54,850 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for embalmers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Ohio | $71,550 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,950 |
| North Carolina | $68,550 |
| Missouri | $66,490 |
| Virginia | $63,810 |
| Kansas | $63,160 |
| Indiana | $62,400 |
| South Carolina | $61,820 |
| Illinois | $61,730 |
| Rhode Island | $60,310 |
Related jobs in California
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $50,750 | $24.40 |
| Funeral Attendant | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Crematory Operator | $49,780 | $23.93 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,020 | $19.24 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,780 | $19.12 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $27.88 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $18.59 |
| Animal Caretaker | $38,700 | $18.60 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Gambling Dealer | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $53,620 | $25.78 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,770 | $18.64 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in California
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-4011. 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 embalmer make in California?
The median salary for embalmers in California is $60,060 a year, or $28.87 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,310 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,590 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in California?
The top 10% of embalmers in California earn at least $80,590 a year. The top 25% earn $75,870 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in California?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,310 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $50,730 or less.
How many embalmers work in California?
About 520 embalmers are employed in California, not counting the self-employed.