Embalmer salary in Columbia, SC
Embalmers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $61,880 a year ($29.75 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $47,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,570 for the top 10%. That is 5% higher than the national median of $58,780. Pay here is about the same as the South Carolina statewide median of $61,820. There are 0.08 embalmers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 3.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $64,270, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for embalmers in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $47,980 | $23.07 |
| 25th percentile | $60,850 | $29.25 |
| Median | $61,880 | $29.75 |
| 75th percentile | $63,390 | $30.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,570 | $37.29 |
| Average (mean) | $64,270 | $30.90 |
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 | $5,156.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,578.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,380 |
| Weekly | $1,190 |
| Hourly | $29.75 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
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 |
See Embalmer pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $48,130 | $23.14 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Recreation Worker | $30,140 | $14.49 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,720 | $12.37 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,870 | $22.05 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,710 | $14.76 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,770 | $20.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,660 | $19.07 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,400 | $10.77 |
| Skincare Specialist | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Concierge | $30,980 | $14.89 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
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 Columbia, SC?
The median salary for embalmers in the Columbia, SC metro area is $61,880 a year, or $29.75 an hour. Pay ranges from $47,980 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,570 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of embalmers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $77,570 a year. The top 25% earn $63,390 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $47,980 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $60,850 or less.
How many embalmers work in Columbia, SC?
About 30 embalmers are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.