Embalmer salary in Tennessee
Embalmers in Tennessee earn a median of $55,170 a year ($26.52 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,180 for the top 10%. That is 6% lower than the national median of $58,780. Tennessee ranks 18th of 28 states for embalmers pay. There are 0.05 embalmers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 2.2× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $55,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for embalmers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,840 | $19.16 |
| 25th percentile | $48,600 | $23.36 |
| Median | $55,170 | $26.52 |
| 75th percentile | $60,260 | $28.97 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,180 | $37.11 |
| Average (mean) | $55,910 | $26.88 |
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 | $4,597.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,298.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,121.92 |
| Weekly | $1,060.96 |
| Hourly | $26.52 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Embalmer salary in cities in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $56,980 | 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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $29,600 | $14.23 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Crematory Operator | $35,880 | $17.25 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| Animal Caretaker | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for embalmers in Tennessee is $55,170 a year, or $26.52 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,840 for the lowest-paid 10% to $77,180 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of embalmers in Tennessee earn at least $77,180 a year. The top 25% earn $60,260 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,840 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $48,600 or less.
How many embalmers work in Tennessee?
About 180 embalmers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.