Crematory Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Crematory Operators Make?
Crematory Operators earn a median annual salary of $42,880 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,970 at the 10th percentile to $60,260 at the 90th percentile — a range of $28,290. The highest-paying state is Maryland at $69,010.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,970 |
| 25th percentile | $35,890 |
| Median (50th) | $42,880 |
| 75th percentile | $49,800 |
| 90th percentile | $60,260 |
Crematory Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Marylandtop | $69,010 |
| New Jersey | $59,240 |
| Massachusetts | $52,240 |
| Colorado | $51,450 |
| New York | $50,490 |
| California | $49,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $48,480 |
| Washington | $47,480 |
| Nevada | $45,260 |
| Michigan | $44,710 |
| Virginia | $43,190 |
| Ohio | $42,600 |
| Oregon | $41,770 |
| Illinois | $41,600 |
| West Virginia | $39,900 |
| North Carolina | $39,550 |
| Arizona | $39,270 |
| Kentucky | $38,840 |
| Indiana | $37,930 |
| Florida | $37,300 |
| Kansas | $35,750 |
| Texas | $33,040 |
| Alabama | $32,040 |
| South Carolina | $31,510 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Crematory Operators
Crematory Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$31,970 – $35,890 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$42,880 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$49,800 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $60,260+ |
How to Earn More as a Crematory Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Crematory Operators in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD earn $57,340 — $14,460 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($49,800) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Crematory Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Crematory Operatorthis career | $42,880 |
| Funeral Home Manager | $76,830 |
| Coroner | $78,420 |
| Floral Designer | $36,120 |
| Surgical Technologist | $62,830 |
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SOC: 39-4012.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.