Summary Report for:
39-4012.00 - Crematory Operators
Operate crematory equipment to reduce human or animal remains to bone fragments in accordance with state and local regulations. Duties may include preparing the body for cremation and performing general maintenance on crematory equipment. May use traditional flame-based cremation, calcination, or alkaline hydrolysis.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Detailed Work Activities | Credentials | Wages & Employment | Job Openings
Tasks
- Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
- Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
- Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
- Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
- Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
- Pick up and handle human or pet remains in a respectful manner.
- Place corpses into crematory machines to reduce remains to bone fragments using flame, heat, or alkaline hydrolysis.
- Pulverize remaining bone fragments into smaller pieces using specialized equipment, such as a cremulator or grinder.
- Read documentation to confirm the identity of the deceased.
- Remove jewelry, watches, or other personal items from the deceased prior to cremation.
- Sweep or vacuum the cremation chamber to retrieve remains for storage in an urn or other container.
- Transport the deceased to a funeral home or crematory using a van, hearse, or other vehicle.
Detailed Work Activities
- Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
- Apply cleansing or conditioning agents to client hair, scalp, or skin.
- Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance.
- Clean facilities or equipment.
- Clean facilities or work areas.
- Discuss goods or services information with customers or patrons.
- Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.
- Embalm corpses.
- Explain use of products or services.
- Handle caskets.
- Load materials into equipment for processing.
- Maintain records, documents, or other files.
- Operate grinding equipment.
- Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
- Transport biological or other medical materials.
- Verify information or specifications.
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Crematory Operators and Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other.
Employment data for Crematory Operators and Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other.
Industry data for Crematory Operators and Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other.
| Median wages (2019) | $13.04 hourly, $27,130 annual |
| State wages | |
| Local wages | |
| Employment (2019) | 111,300 employees |
| Projected growth (2019-2029) | 
Much faster than average (8% or higher)
|
| Projected job openings (2019-2029) | 17,100 |
| State trends | |
| Top industries (2019) | |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data
and 2019-2029 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2019-2029). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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