Funeral Jobs in Australia | Careers in the Funeral Industry
The funeral industry is one of Australia’s most essential yet often overlooked service sectors. It offers compassionate, meaningful work for people who want to help others during life’s most difficult moments. Whether you’re looking to become a funeral director, celebrant, mortuary assistant, or grief counsellor, there are many paths available within this important profession.
At eziFunerals, we support families and professionals across the end-of-life sector. If you’re searching for funeral jobs in Australia, here’s what you need to know about opportunities, qualifications, and where to start.
Why Work in the Funeral Industry?
Working in funerals isn’t just a job — it’s a vocation. Careers in this field offer:
- Emotional fulfilment by supporting grieving families
- Job stability, as death care services remain essential
- Diverse roles across planning, ceremony, logistics, and care
- Opportunities to develop skills in communication, coordination, counselling, and cultural sensitivity
The industry suits people who are empathetic, organised, resilient, and committed to providing meaningful service.
Most In-Demand Funeral Jobs in Australia
1. Funeral Director
Oversees the planning and delivery of funerals. Responsibilities include:
- Meeting with families
- Organising transport, ceremony details, and burials/cremations
- Managing staff and logistics
Average salary: $60,000 – $90,000+ depending on experience
2. Funeral Arranger / Consultant
Handles administrative and coordination tasks, including:
- Booking venues and clergy
- Preparing service materials
- Communicating with suppliers and families
3. Mortuary Assistant / Embalmer
Prepares the body for viewing or burial, including:
- Cleaning and dressing
- Cosmetic work
- Embalming (if certified)
Formal training and licensing required in some states.
4. Celebrant or Officiant
Leads funeral and memorial services. Duties include:
- Writing and delivering eulogies
- Facilitating rituals or religious elements
- Supporting families with ceremony planning
Ideal for freelance professionals and those with a background in speaking, ministry, or community services.
5. Grief Counsellor / Bereavement Support
Provides emotional support before and after the funeral. Often works:
- In-house at funeral homes
- Independently or with charities
- In aged care or hospice facilities
6. Crematorium or Cemetery Worker
Operational roles include:
- Handling cremations and remains
- Maintaining grounds and facilities
- Assisting with interments
7. Transfer and Transport Staff
Assist with the respectful movement of the deceased, often working after hours or on-call.
Qualifications & Training
While not all roles require formal education, the following courses and certificates are helpful:
- Certificate III or IV in Funeral Services (TAFE and private providers)
- Certificate IV in Celebrancy (for funeral celebrants)
- Certificate III in Mortuary Science
- First aid, manual handling, and counselling courses
Some employers offer on-the-job training, especially for entry-level support roles.
Skills Needed for Funeral Jobs
Successful funeral professionals share these qualities:
- Compassion and empathy
- High attention to detail
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Physical stamina (especially in operational roles)
- The ability to remain calm under pressure
If you’re motivated by helping others and can handle emotionally sensitive situations, you may be a great fit.
Who Hires in the Funeral Industry?
Employment opportunities exist across:
- Independent funeral homes
- Major funeral brands (e.g. Invocare, Simplicity, White Lady Funerals)
- Cemeteries and crematoriums
- Hospices and aged care services
- Religious and community organisations
- Freelance/contract celebrant or grief counselling roles
You can also explore new models like eco funerals, funeral tech start-ups, and platforms like eziFunerals.
How eziFunerals Supports Funeral Professionals
eziFunerals is Australia’s leading independent funeral planning and comparison platform. While we’re not a recruiter, we aim to connect professionals and consumers with:
- Exposure for independent funeral directors and celebrants
- Business listing opportunities to promote your services
- Tools for growing your funeral business online
- Insight into what families want and value in a provider
- Potential career paths through partnerships and referrals
Interested in listing your funeral service or applying for a role in our network? Contact us here
Tips for Starting a Career in the Funeral Industry
- Volunteer or Job Shadow
Gain first-hand experience by contacting local funeral homes or cemeteries. - Take an Introductory Course
Many TAFEs offer short courses in funeral services, grief counselling, or celebrancy. - Join Industry Associations
Such as the Australian Funeral Directors Association (AFDA) or The Celebrants Network. - Explore Part-Time or On-Call Work
Many roles start as casual or flexible, especially in transfer and setup teams. - Develop Your Professional Network
Funeral work often grows through referrals and reputation.
Looking to Work in the Funeral Industry?
eziFunerals may be able to support your journey into the profession — whether you’re seeking work, training, or business growth.
- Want to list your funeral business on our platform?
- Interested in freelance celebrant or grief support work?
- Need help promoting your services online?
We’re here to help you succeed.
Reach out today:
- Visit: ezifunerals.com.au/contact-us
- Or call: 1300 236 402
eziFunerals — Supporting the next generation of compassionate funeral professionals.
