Embalmer salary in Missouri
Embalmers in Missouri earn a median of $66,490 a year ($31.97 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,640 for the top 10%. That is 13% higher than the national median of $58,780. Missouri ranks 4th of 28 states for embalmers pay, one of the best-paying states for this job. There are 0.05 embalmers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $62,480, close to the median.
Pay range for embalmers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,940 | $19.20 |
| 25th percentile | $56,440 | $27.14 |
| Median | $66,490 | $31.97 |
| 75th percentile | $70,270 | $33.78 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,640 | $36.85 |
| Average (mean) | $62,480 | $30.04 |
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 | $5,540.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,770.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,557.31 |
| Weekly | $1,278.65 |
| Hourly | $31.97 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Embalmer salary in cities in Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $63,130 | 60 |
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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $42,940 | $20.64 |
| Funeral Attendant | $39,270 | $18.88 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,790 | $14.80 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Animal Caretaker | $31,230 | $15.02 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,750 | $14.78 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,350 | $15.55 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,980 | $15.38 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for embalmers in Missouri is $66,490 a year, or $31.97 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,940 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of embalmers in Missouri earn at least $76,640 a year. The top 25% earn $70,270 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,940 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $56,440 or less.
How many embalmers work in Missouri?
About 160 embalmers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.