13 Careers Working With Dead Bodies That Aren’t Totally Creepy

As death is an inevitable part of life, there are numerous careers that involve working with deceased individuals in a respectful and professional manner. These professionals play vital roles in caring for the deceased, investigating the circumstances surrounding their death, and honoring their lives. Below, we explore 13 intriguing jobs that involve working with dead bodies—without the creepiness often associated with them.

Key Takeaways:

• The top three careers working with deceased individuals are embalming, grief counseling, and forensic analysis.

• From 2026 to 2036, the funeral services sector is projected to grow by 8%, creating approximately 5,300 job opportunities across the U.S.

• Forensic science technician roles are expected to see an 11% growth, resulting in around 2,000 new job openings in the same period.

13 Jobs That Deal with Dead Bodies

1. Gravedigger
   Average Annual Salary: N/A
   Job Outlook: Grounds maintenance jobs are projected to grow 5% and create 700 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Often misunderstood, gravediggers play a crucial role in cemetery operations, responsible for creating burial sites. They use specialized equipment to prepare graves and are often involved in various cemetery maintenance tasks. While they may not handle the deceased directly, they are aware of the significance of their work, providing a respectful resting place for individuals.

2. Cemetery Worker
   Average Annual Salary: $27,837
   Job Outlook: Funeral services jobs are projected to grow 8%, creating around 5,300 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Cemetery workers focus on maintaining the grounds and ensuring a respectful environment for families visiting their loved ones. Their tasks include landscaping and preparing burial sites, making it a position that centers around care and respect rather than morbidity.

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3. Crime Scene Specialist
   Average Annual Salary: $45,520
   Job Outlook: Forensic science technician jobs are projected to grow 11%, resulting in approximately 2,000 job opportunities from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Crime scene specialists are responsible for handling the aftermath of tragic incidents, including potential homicides. They meticulously clean and restore crime scenes while ensuring that all hazardous materials are safely removed. Their work is essential in maintaining public safety and aiding investigations.

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4. Embalmer
   Average Annual Salary: $38,073
   Job Outlook: Funeral services jobs are projected to grow 8%, creating about 5,300 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Embalmers prepare deceased individuals for viewings, ensuring they are presented in a respectful and dignified manner. Their expertise in preserving and beautifying the body is crucial for helping grieving families say their goodbyes. This job requires not only technical skills but also a deep sense of empathy.

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5. Grief Counselor
   Average Annual Salary: $35,111
   Job Outlook: Mental health counselor jobs are projected to grow 22%, generating 77,500 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Grief counselors provide emotional support and guidance to individuals dealing with loss. They help families navigate their feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms during difficult times. This role is integral to the healing process and requires strong communication skills, empathy, and patience.

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6. Funeral Director
   Average Annual Salary: $41,000
   Job Outlook: Funeral services jobs are expected to grow 8%, resulting in about 5,300 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Funeral directors manage all aspects of the funeral service, from coordinating with families to overseeing the logistics of the ceremony. Their role emphasizes compassion and organization, making it one of the most supportive positions in the funeral industry.

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7. Coroner
   Average Annual Salary: $64,193
   Job Outlook: Forensic science technician jobs (including coroners) are projected to grow 11%, creating around 2,000 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Coroners investigate the cause of death and can work in various capacities, from performing autopsies to collaborating with law enforcement. Their findings provide crucial information for families and investigative bodies.

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8. Crime Scene Investigator
   Average Annual Salary: $50,611
   Job Outlook: Crime investigator jobs are projected to decline by 1%, resulting in a loss of about 800 job opportunities from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Crime scene investigators collect and analyze evidence from crime scenes involving fatalities. Their work is critical to solving crimes and providing justice for victims and their families.

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9. Obituary Writer
   Average Annual Salary: N/A
   Job Outlook: While specific data for obituary writers is unavailable, the general writing career is expected to grow 4%, creating about 5,900 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

   Obituary writers craft memorial pieces that honor the lives of the deceased. This role requires strong writing and research skills, as well as sensitivity to the feelings of grieving families.

10. Crematory Operator
    Average Annual Salary: $53,133
    Job Outlook: Crematory operator jobs are projected to grow 9%, creating about 200 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

    Crematory operators manage the cremation process and often interact with the deceased’s families. Their role requires sensitivity and compassion, as they support families during a challenging time.

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11. Hospice Aide
    Average Annual Salary: $62,344
    Job Outlook: While specific data for hospice aides is unavailable, home health and personal care aide jobs are projected to grow 25%, resulting in approximately 924,000 job opportunities across the U.S. from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

    Hospice aides provide care and support for individuals nearing the end of life. This role requires immense compassion and emotional resilience, as aides help patients and families navigate the dying process.

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12. Forensic Entomologist
    Average Annual Salary: N/A
    Job Outlook: Zoologist and wildlife biologist positions (including entomologists) are expected to see little change, while forensic science technician roles are projected to grow 11%, creating about 2,000 job opportunities from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

    Forensic entomologists study insects associated with deceased bodies to provide information regarding time of death and other investigative insights. This niche field requires specialized knowledge and can significantly aid criminal investigations.

13. Forensic Pathologist
    Average Annual Salary: $74,375
    Job Outlook: Forensic science technician roles are projected to grow 11%, creating approximately 2,000 job opportunities from 2026 to 2036, according to the BLS.

    Forensic pathologists, also known as medical examiners, conduct autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death. Their findings play a critical role in legal investigations and contribute valuable information to the field of forensic science.

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Jobs Working with Dead Bodies FAQ

1. How much do you get paid to pick up dead bodies?

   Coroners, who are responsible for picking up deceased individuals, earn an average salary of around $53,000 per year, which translates to approximately $25 per hour.

2. What job picks up dead bodies?

   Mortuary transporters are responsible for transferring deceased individuals from hospitals, nursing homes, or other locations to their designated mortuary or funeral home.

3. Who deals with dead bodies in hospitals?

   Forensic pathologists, also known as medical examiners, are typically the professionals who handle deceased bodies in hospitals, performing autopsies to determine the cause and manner of death.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” Accessed on September 7, 2022.

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.