An embalmer is a licensed professional responsible for the technical preparation of the deceased for viewing, burial, or cremation. This preparation focuses on temporary preservation and sanitation of the human remains. The role requires technical skill in anatomy and chemistry, along with a compassionate understanding of the deceased and their family. Embalmers use specialized scientific knowledge to ensure the body is respectfully prepared for funeral services, allowing families to have a final, peaceful viewing.
The Core Role of an Embalmer
The primary function of an embalmer is the dual purpose of preservation and public health sanitation. Preservation involves chemically treating the remains to temporarily halt decomposition, which is necessary when there is a delay before final disposition. Sanitation disinfects the body to eliminate potential public health risks from microorganisms.
Embalmers collaborate closely with funeral directors, who act as the main point of contact for the grieving family. The embalmer ensures the technical preparation aligns with the family’s wishes, especially regarding open-casket viewing.
Documentation is meticulous, particularly when remains must be transported across long distances or international borders. An embalmer’s affidavit or certificate is legally required to certify preparation according to health and safety standards. This record-keeping tracks the chemicals used and the specific procedures performed, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
The Embalming Process Step-by-Step
The embalming procedure is a highly technical, multi-stage process beginning with initial preparation and sanitation. The body is first washed with germicidal soap, and the embalmer gently flexes the limbs to relieve rigor mortis for proper positioning. Facial features are then set, involving positioning the eyelids, often with plastic eye caps, and securing the mouth, sometimes using a needle injector or sutures, to achieve a calm and natural expression.
The main procedure is arterial embalming, involving the surgical raising of a major artery and a corresponding vein for injection and drainage. A preservative solution, often containing formaldehyde or glutaraldehyde, is injected under pressure into the arterial system. This fluid displaces the blood, which is concurrently drained from the vein, distributing the chemical solution throughout the tissues to fix proteins and delay decay.
Following arterial injection, the process moves to cavity treatment, addressing internal organs not reached by the arterial solution. The embalmer uses a trocar to aspirate gases and fluids from the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Concentrated cavity chemicals are then injected into the torso to preserve the viscera. Finally, all incisions are closed, and the body is washed again before restorative and cosmetic work begins.
Restorative Art and Presentation
Restorative art is the aesthetic discipline within mortuary science, focused on presenting the deceased in a recognizable and peaceful state for viewing. This practice is distinct from chemical preservation and is especially important in cases where the body has been altered by trauma, disease, or post-mortem changes. The goal is to minimize the visual impact of these changes, providing a comforting final memory picture for the family.
The embalmer uses specialized techniques to rebuild or conceal damage, such as using mortuary wax to model missing facial features. In cases of severe tissue loss, a liquid filler called tissue builder may be injected hypodermically to restore natural contours beneath the skin. The final stage involves applying mortuary cosmetics, formulated to correct discoloration, match skin tone, and recreate a lifelike appearance.
This aesthetic work also includes dressing the deceased in clothing provided by the family and styling the hair. The entire presentation is often guided by a recent photograph supplied by the family. The psychological importance of this art is significant, as a successful presentation can aid the family’s acceptance and closure during the grieving process.
Education and Licensing Requirements
The career path to becoming a licensed embalmer is highly regulated and requires specific post-secondary education. Aspiring professionals must typically earn an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science or Funeral Service Education from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). The curriculum is comprehensive, including subjects such as anatomy, pathology, chemistry, microbiology, restorative art, and funeral service law.
After completing academics, a mandatory apprenticeship or internship is required, generally lasting one to three years depending on state regulations. This hands-on training, conducted under a licensed embalmer, involves documenting a specific number of successful embalming cases. Candidates must then pass comprehensive examinations to demonstrate competency.
The licensing process includes the National Board Examination (NBE), which tests knowledge in funeral service arts and sciences, and a state-specific licensing exam covering local laws. Because licensing is regulated at the state level, exact requirements vary significantly between jurisdictions.
The Work Environment and Schedule
Embalmers primarily work in funeral homes and mortuaries, though some positions exist within hospitals, medical schools, or coroners’ offices. The work is largely performed in a preparation room, a dedicated, sterile environment equipped with specialized tools and chemicals. This setting requires strict adherence to health and safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment, due to exposure to biological hazards and formaldehyde-based solutions.
The schedule is demanding and often extends beyond a traditional forty-hour work week. Since death is unpredictable, embalmers must frequently be available on-call, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to respond to a death notification and begin the preparation process. The profession also has physical demands, requiring the ability to stand for long periods and manually handle and move the deceased, sometimes involving heavy lifting.
Working closely with death requires a high degree of emotional resilience and professionalism. Embalmers must maintain a respectful and compassionate demeanor while performing the technical aspects of their job. This emotional labor, combined with the irregular on-call schedule, defines the unique and often challenging work environment of the profession.
Career Outlook and Compensation
The job outlook for embalmers and funeral service workers is projected to see very slow growth, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipating a low rate of change over the next decade. This stability is due to the essential and non-transferable nature of the service, though the increasing rate of cremation limits demand for embalming. The need for new embalmers will arise primarily from the retirement of existing professionals.
Compensation varies widely based on geographic location, years of experience, and whether they are also licensed as a funeral director. The median annual salary for embalmers in the United States is approximately $56,285, with the lower end of the income spectrum starting around $35,152 and the highest earners making more than $78,749 annually. Embalmers who work in large metropolitan areas or hold dual licenses typically command higher salaries.
Advancement opportunities often involve moving into management or administration. Many embalmers pursue the additional licensing required to become a funeral director, allowing them to oversee all aspects of funeral service, including arranging services and consulting with families. Experienced professionals may choose to open and manage their own funeral home.