Embalmers
SOC Code: 39-4011
Embalmers carries a 38% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $56,280 and +1.3% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 3,600 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 38% AI exposure, Embalmers sits 1 points above the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 63% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Embalmers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Embalmers has ai exposure of 38%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Embalmers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Embalmers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Embalmers (SOC 39-4011) carries an AI exposure score of 38%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 3,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.3% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $56,280, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Embalmers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Conform to laws of health and sanitation and ensure that legal requirements concerning embalming are met.
- 2. Apply cosmetics to impart lifelike appearance to the deceased.
- 3. Join lips, using needles and thread or wire.
- 4. Close incisions, using needles and sutures.
- 5. Incise stomach and abdominal walls and probe internal organs, using trocar, to withdraw blood and waste matter from organs.
- 6. Clean and disinfect areas in which bodies are prepared and embalmed.
- 7. Dress bodies and place them in caskets.
- 8. Make incisions in arms or thighs and drain blood from circulatory system and replace it with embalming fluid, using pump.
- 9. Remove the deceased from place of death and transport to funeral home.
- 10. Perform the duties of funeral directors, including coordinating funeral activities.
Key Skills Required
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Time Management
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Customer and Personal Service
- Chemistry
- Psychology
- English Language
- Law and Government
- Biology
- Administration and Management
- Administrative
- Philosophy and Theology
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Embalmers?
Embalmers has an AI exposure score of 38%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Embalmers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Embalmers is projected to grow by 1.3% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 3,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Embalmers?
Key skills for Embalmers include Speaking, Active Listening, Writing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Embalmers earn?
The median annual wage for Embalmers is $56,280, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Embalmers?
The typical entry-level education for Embalmers is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Embalmers?
Embalmers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).