Crematory Operators in Maryland
Considering working as a Crematory Operators in Maryland? Here’s what you need to know. 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.
What do Crematory Operators Make in Maryland?
The crematory operators working in Maryland, the median annual wage is $69,010 per year (or about $33.18/hour).Earnings range from $32,680 at the 10th percentile to $76,110 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,680 | $15.71 |
| 25th percentile | $45,650 | $21.95 |
| Median (50th) | $69,010 | $33.18 |
| 75th percentile | $75,900 | $36.49 |
| 90th percentile | $76,110 | $36.59 |
The job concentration index in Maryland compared to the national average — is 0.65, indicating fewer crematory operators per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, crematory operators earn a median of $48,579 per year ($23.36/hour), above the Maryland median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 242,409 crematory operators nationwide. In Maryland alone, about 30 people work in this role. That trails the typical state, which employs around 100 crematory operators.
Top States for Crematory Operators Employment
The table below shows the states where the most crematory operators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Florida | 440 |
| Pennsylvania | 410 |
| California | 220 |
| Texas | 220 |
| Ohio | 190 |
| Indiana | 130 |
| Oregon | 110 |
| Illinois | 100 |
| Michigan | 100 |
| North Carolina | 100 |
| Washington | 80 |
| Colorado | 80 |
| Nevada | 70 |
| Arizona | 70 |
| Massachusetts | 50 |
| Alabama | 50 |
| West Virginia | 40 |
| Maryland | 30 |
| New York | 30 |
Highest-Paying States for Crematory Operators
Where crematory operators earn the most: crematory operators.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $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 |
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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.
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Funeral & Mortuary Science
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Other careers like crematory operators include:
- Funeral Home Managers
- Coroners
- Floral Designers
- Surgical Technologists
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
- Home Health Aides
Also Known As
Cremation Arranger, Cremator, Crematory Operator, Operations Team Member (Ops Team Member), Pet Crematory Operator, Removal Technician (Removal Tech).
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-4012.00