Funeral Attendants
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Perform a variety of tasks during funeral, such as placing casket in parlor or chapel prior to service, arranging floral offerings or lights around casket, directing or escorting mourners, closing casket, and issuing and storing funeral equipment.
Sample of reported job titles: Crematory Operator, Funeral Assistant, Funeral Attendant, Funeral Greeter, Funeral Home Assistant, Funeral Home Associate, Funeral Home Attendant
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Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks

- Greet people at the funeral home.
- Perform a variety of tasks during funerals to assist funeral directors and to ensure that services run smoothly and as planned.
- Transport the deceased to the funeral home.
- Direct or escort mourners to parlors or chapels in which wakes or funerals are being held.
- Close caskets at appropriate point in services.
- Attend to the needs of the bereaved, such as by offering comfort, counseling, or after-care programs.
- Offer assistance to mourners as they enter or exit limousines.
- Place caskets in parlors or chapels prior to wakes or funerals.
- Clean and drive funeral vehicles, such as cars or hearses, in funeral processions.
- Carry flowers to hearses or limousines for transportation to places of interment.
- Arrange floral offerings or lights around caskets.
- Perform various administrative tasks, such as typing documents or answering telephone calls.
- Supervise funeral processions and assist with cemetery parking.
- Act as pallbearers.
- Clean funeral parlors or chapels.
- Deliver floral arrangements or other items to family members of the deceased.
- Issue and store funeral equipment.
- Perform general maintenance tasks for funeral homes, such as maintaining equipment or caring for funeral grounds.
- Provide advice to mourners on how to make charitable donations in honor of the deceased.
- Embalm, dress, cosmeticize, and casket the deceased.
- Manage funeral home finances, including receiving payments, making bank deposits, or performing general bookkeeping duties.
- Assist with cremations and the processing and packaging of cremated remains.
- Obtain burial permits and register deaths.
- Obtain doctors’ signatures on death certificate and complete other paperwork, such as insurance claims forms.
- Meet with family members to plan the funeral.
- Prepare obituaries for newspapers.
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Technology Skills

- Accounting software — Bookkeeping software
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
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Knowledge

- Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

- Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Abilities

- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Static Strength — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Work Activities

- Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
- Working with Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Detailed Work Activities

- Greet customers, patrons, or visitors.
- Apply makeup to alter or enhance appearance.
- Embalm corpses.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
- Transport biological or other medical materials.
- Provide escort or transportation.
- Provide patrons with directions to locales or attractions.
- Maintain financial or account records.
- Handle caskets.
- Provide counsel, comfort, or encouragement to individuals or families.
- Perform administrative or clerical tasks.
- Assist patrons with entering or exiting vehicles or other forms of transportation.
- Prepare administrative documents.
- Deliver items.
- Clean tools or equipment.
- Drive vehicles to transport patrons.
- Discuss service options or needs with clients.
- Arrange items for use or display.
- Direct funeral or mortuary activities.
- Clean facilities or work areas.
- Assign resources or facilities to patrons or employees.
- Write informational material.
- Maintain facilities.
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Work Context

- Telephone — 73% responded “Every day.”
- Work With Work Group or Team — 76% responded “Extremely important.”
- Time Pressure — 61% responded “Every day.”
- Contact With Others — 59% responded “Constant contact with others.”
- Deal With External Customers — 62% responded “Extremely important.”
- Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 54% responded “Every day.”
- Frequency of Decision Making — 70% responded “Every day.”
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 52% responded “Very important results.”
- Physical Proximity — 54% responded “Very close (near touching).”
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 55% responded “Extremely important.”
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 40% responded “Once a week or more but not every day.”
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 43% responded “Extremely important.”
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 64% responded “Every day.”
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 36% responded “High responsibility.”
- Spend Time Standing — 29% responded “About half the time.”
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 39% responded “Some freedom.”
- Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 37% responded “Every day.”
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 43% responded “Some freedom.”
- Responsible for Others’ Health and Safety — 38% responded “High responsibility.”
- Exposed to Contaminants — 35% responded “Every day.”
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 30% responded “Important.”
- Exposed to Disease or Infections — 26% responded “Every day.”
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 37% responded “Every day.”
- Consequence of Error — 23% responded “Not serious at all.”
- Letters and Memos — 32% responded “Never.”
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Job Zone
Title | Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed |
Education | These occupations usually require a high school diploma. |
Related Experience | Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public. |
Job Training | Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
Job Zone Examples | These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers. |
SVP Range | (4.0 to < 6.0) |
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Education
![]() Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
---|---|
55 ![]() ![]() |
High school diploma or equivalent
![]() |
27 ![]() ![]() |
Associate’s degree |
10 ![]() ![]() |
Less than high school diploma |
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Credentials



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Interests

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- Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
- Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
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Work Styles

- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Self-Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Independence — Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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Work Values

- Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
- Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
- Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
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Related Occupations
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Wages & Employment Trends
Median wages (2020) | $14.01 hourly, $29,150 annual |
State wages | |
Local wages | |
Employment (2020) | 42,300 employees |
Projected growth (2020-2030) | ![]() |
Projected job openings (2020-2030) | 5,800 |
State trends | |
Top industries (2020) |
Other Services (Except Public Administration)
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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 wage data and 2020-2030 employment projections
. “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2020-2030). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.
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Job Openings on the Web

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Sources of Additional Information

Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Cremation Association of North America
- National Funeral Directors Association
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