Embalmer salary in Iowa
Embalmers in Iowa earn a median of $39,490 a year ($18.99 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $31,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,420 for the top 10%. That is 33% lower than the national median of $58,780. Iowa ranks 28th of 28 states for embalmers pay. The average (mean) salary is $50,200, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for embalmers in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,810 | $15.29 |
| 25th percentile | $34,610 | $16.64 |
| Median | $39,490 | $18.99 |
| 75th percentile | $75,660 | $36.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,420 | $37.70 |
| Average (mean) | $50,200 | $24.14 |
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 | $3,290.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,645.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,518.85 |
| Weekly | $759.42 |
| Hourly | $18.99 |
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 |
Related jobs in Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $63,700 | $30.63 |
| Funeral Attendant | $40,060 | $19.26 |
| Crematory Operator | $35,120 | $16.89 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,420 | $13.66 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,080 | $14.46 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,700 | $17.17 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,160 | $17.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,950 | $20.17 |
| Gambling Dealer | $23,020 | $11.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,850 | $17.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,780 | $18.64 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,720 | $12.37 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for embalmers in Iowa is $39,490 a year, or $18.99 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,810 for the lowest-paid 10% to $78,420 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in Iowa?
The top 10% of embalmers in Iowa earn at least $78,420 a year. The top 25% earn $75,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,810 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $34,610 or less.