Embalmer salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Embalmers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn a median of $73,450 a year ($35.31 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $54,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,190 for the top 10%. That is 25% higher than the national median of $58,780. Pay here is 15% higher than the Virginia statewide median of $63,810. There are 0.01 embalmers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.50). The average (mean) salary is $72,220, close to the median.
Pay range for embalmers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $54,110 | $26.02 |
| 25th percentile | $63,210 | $30.39 |
| Median | $73,450 | $35.31 |
| 75th percentile | $82,380 | $39.61 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,190 | $40.96 |
| Average (mean) | $72,220 | $34.72 |
Half of embalmers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,120.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,060.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,825 |
| Weekly | $1,412.50 |
| Hourly | $35.31 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $73,450 salary, see how much house you can afford in Virginia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for embalmers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Ohio | $71,550 |
| Pennsylvania | $69,950 |
| North Carolina | $68,550 |
| Missouri | $66,490 |
| Virginia | $63,810 |
| Kansas | $63,160 |
| Indiana | $62,400 |
| South Carolina | $61,820 |
| Illinois | $61,730 |
| Rhode Island | $60,310 |
See Embalmer pay in every state or the Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral Attendant | $39,500 | $18.99 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $60,440 | $29.06 |
| Childcare Worker | $37,610 | $18.08 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,190 | $22.21 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,020 | $17.80 |
| Animal Caretaker | $37,710 | $18.13 |
| Concierge | $38,810 | $18.66 |
| Recreation Worker | $42,800 | $20.58 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| Residential Advisor | $47,010 | $22.60 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $53,310 | $25.63 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $36,080 | $17.35 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,300 | $23.70 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-4011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a embalmer make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median salary for embalmers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area is $73,450 a year, or $35.31 an hour. Pay ranges from $54,110 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,190 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid embalmers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The top 10% of embalmers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area earn at least $85,190 a year. The top 25% earn $82,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for embalmers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $54,110 a year, and a quarter of embalmers earn $63,210 or less.
How many embalmers work in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
About 40 embalmers are employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metro area, not counting the self-employed.