Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Crematory operators work in a specialized occupation with a focused employment base of about 3,000 workers nationally. The role offers a blend of technical, physical, and interpersonal work, drawing on mechanical ability, customer service, and attention to detail. The national median annual salary of $42,880 places this career in a moderate earnings range, with higher pay available in certain states and metro areas. Projected employment growth of 3.3% and about 1,000 annual openings suggest a steady flow of opportunities for new and experienced workers. Individuals considering this field should be prepared to use skills such as speaking and listening, fine motor abilities, and basic computers and information technology. With a typical education level of a high school diploma or equivalent, this career may appeal to those who want a specialized role without extensive formal education, while still building a professional skill set that can transfer to related occupations such as funeral attendants and other service positions.
Crematory operators earn a national median annual salary of $42,880, with pay varying significantly by location. Among states with the highest opportunity scores, median salaries range from $33,270 in Texas to $56,050 in Massachusetts. California, Colorado, and Washington also offer median salaries above the national median, at $49,780, $52,060, and $53,580 respectively. At the metro level, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH stands out with a median salary of $59,510, while Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD offers $50,330. Other metros such as Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL fall closer to or slightly below the national median. Overall, earnings potential can be meaningfully higher in certain states and metro areas, so pay-conscious job seekers may want to focus on regions such as Massachusetts, Washington, Colorado, and the Boston metro when exploring opportunities.
Crematory operators have national employment of about 3,000 workers and a projected employment growth rate of 3.3%. This growth rate is consistent across the highlighted top states and metro areas, where each listed region also shows a 3.3% projection. With approximately 1,000 annual openings nationwide, there appears to be ongoing demand for new hires, whether due to growth, turnover, or other labor-force dynamics. The relatively small overall workforce size means this is a niche occupation, but the combination of steady projected growth and recurring openings can create regular entry points for job seekers. For individuals planning a long-term path in this field, the data suggests a stable outlook rather than rapid expansion. Job seekers may be able to find opportunities in many regions, with particular visibility in states and metros identified with higher opportunity scores, which can help guide location decisions when entering or advancing in this career.
Location matters significantly for crematory operators, as salaries, employment levels, and opportunity scores vary by state and metro area. Among states, California and Texas have the highest employment levels listed (240 and 270 workers respectively), while Massachusetts, Colorado, and Washington show smaller employment counts but higher median salaries. Massachusetts leads with a median salary of $56,050 and an opportunity score of 65.87, followed closely by California at $49,780 and an opportunity score of 67.38. Washington and Colorado also combine strong salaries in the low-to-mid $50,000s with mid-50s opportunity scores. At the metro level, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH stands out with both the highest median salary of $59,510 and the top metro opportunity score of 63.37. Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington offers solid pay and a mid-50s opportunity score, while Indianapolis, Riverside–San Bernardino–Ontario, and Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater present moderate salaries and mid-40s opportunity scores. These differences can help candidates prioritize regions that best match their salary and opportunity preferences.
Crematory operators typically enter the field with a high school diploma or equivalent, making this career accessible to individuals who do not plan to pursue a college degree. While formal education requirements are relatively modest, success in this role depends on a broad mix of skills. Interpersonal and customer service skills are important, along with speaking and listening, to support effective communication. Mechanical ability, physical strength and stamina, and fine motor skills are also key, reflecting the hands-on and physical nature of the work. The role benefits from being detail oriented and comfortable with writing and reading tasks, as well as using computers and information technology. Science knowledge can also play a role in understanding aspects of the work environment. Together, these skills form a practical skill set that supports both daily tasks and long-term career development, and they may also be applicable in related occupations such as funeral attendants, passenger attendants, or other service and support roles.
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