Embalmer salary in Kentucky
Embalmers in Kentucky earn a median of $49,860 a year ($23.97 an hour), based on BLS data for 280 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,150 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $58,780. Kentucky ranks 25th of 28 states for embalmers pay. There are 0.14 embalmers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 5.6× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $51,670, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for embalmers in Kentucky
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,440 | $14.63 |
| 25th percentile | $34,910 | $16.78 |
| Median | $49,860 | $23.97 |
| 75th percentile | $61,090 | $29.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,150 | $33.73 |
| Average (mean) | $51,670 | $24.84 |
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 | $4,155 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,077.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,917.69 |
| Weekly | $958.85 |
| Hourly | $23.97 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Embalmer salary in cities in Kentucky
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $45,740 | 80 |
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 Kentucky
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $43,320 | $20.83 |
| Crematory Operator | $37,740 | $18.15 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,920 | $13.90 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,400 | $15.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,210 | $13.08 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,840 | $14.35 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,280 | $21.77 |
| Residential Advisor | $30,260 | $14.55 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,930 | $12.46 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,870 | $20.13 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,490 | $19.95 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kentucky
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 Kentucky?
The median salary for embalmers in Kentucky is $49,860 a year, or $23.97 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,440 for the lowest-paid 10% to $70,150 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in Kentucky?
The top 10% of embalmers in Kentucky earn at least $70,150 a year. The top 25% earn $61,090 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in Kentucky?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,440 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $34,910 or less.
How many embalmers work in Kentucky?
About 280 embalmers are employed in Kentucky, not counting the self-employed.