Potential earnings
£32,126.97
Undertakers, mortuary and crematorium assistants make funeral arrangements for clients, prepare the deceased for burial or cremation, and supervise and assist the proceedings of funerals.
Main tasks
- Controls the operations of crematoriums and cemeteries and processes legal documentation.
- Provides hearse and funeral cars and leads funeral procession.
- Washes and injects body with sterilising fluid to prevent deterioration prior to funeral, and applies cosmetics, wax and other materials to restore normal appearance.
- Liaises with cemetery or crematorium authorities on behalf of client.
- Interviews relative or representative of the deceased to discuss preparations for funeral.
- Collects body of deceased and assists with the completion of necessary documents.
Source: Office for National Statistics.
Salary and earnings
Average earnings
£25,591.19
Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).
Skills & knowledge
The top 5 most important skills and knowledge requirements relevant to this career.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Clerical
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
What course level do I need to study?
The level of study required will vary with each job, sector and company. The table below shows the level of study achieved by those currently working in this career choice.
Educational requirements: Level 3 NVQ; A Levels
Source: Office for National Statistics.
| Level of study | Percentage achieved |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | 6% |
| Level 1 | 6% |
| Level 2 | 47% |
| Level 3 | 29% |
| Level 4-5 (Higher Education) | 8% |
| Level 6 (Bachelors) | 5% |
Source: Labour Force Survey (LFS) data.
Similar careers
Customer Service Supervisors
Customer service supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the activities of a customer services team dealing with the responses, complaints or further requirements of purchasers and users of a product or service.
Average Salary:
£31,917.00
Market Research Interviewers
Market research interviewers conduct interviews to collect information on the opinions and preferences of consumers, businesses, the electorate and other selected groups.
Average Salary:
£22,533.99
Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.
