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Embalmer

Alternative titles for this job include

Embalmers preserve and prepare bodies for burial or cremation.

Average salary (a year)

£21,000 Starter

to

£35,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 43

You could work

weekends at short notice

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Mortuary Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Embalmer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, with a funeral services company.

These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

More Information

Work

You could start as an administrator or funeral arranger with a funeral services company and move into embalming by doing training on the job.

Volunteering

You might find it useful to get some work experience with a funeral company, mortuary or funeral home. This could help when applying for trainee roles.

Other Routes

You'll usually need to complete a training course approved by The British Institute of Embalmers.

Courses can take between 2 and 3 years to complete. They include practical sessions in an embalming theatre.

You may need GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English, maths, chemistry or biology for some courses. It's important to check with course tutors before enrolling to understand exactly what's required.

More Information

Career tips

When applying for training or jobs, you may have an advantage if you have some knowledge of the funeral practices of different faiths and cultures, and how they deal with the deceased.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The British Institute of Embalmers for professional development opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You'll find more details about working as an embalmer through The British Institute of Embalmers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • the ability to work well with others
  • concentration skills
  • the ability to understand people’s reactions
  • knowledge of chemistry including the safe use and disposal of chemicals
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You might need certain vaccinations to be an embalmer.

You may also need a driving licence for some jobs.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As an embalmer, you could:

  • prepare bodies by washing and disinfecting
  • remove fluids and gases from the body and replace them with chemicals
  • restore the appearance of bodies, using family photos
  • wash and style hair and apply make up
  • work closely with the funeral team to meet the family's wishes
  • keep embalming facilities hygienically clean
  • complete job records and manage stock supplies
  • mentor trainees
  • treat the deceased with care and respect at all times

Working environment

You could work at a funeral home, in a laboratory or at a research facility.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

  • manage a team of trainees and assistant embalmers
  • become self employed and work with several funeral directors
  • specialise in embalming and restoring bodies affected by disease
  • join a team responding to major accidents and disasters
  • become a funeral director
  • train as a pathology technician in the NHS

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an embalmer right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming an embalmer?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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