Embalmer

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Embalmers (6272.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Funeral Directors and Embalmers (G912) 
• 2011 NOC: Funeral directors and embalmers (6346) 
• 2016 NOC: Funeral directors and embalmers (6346) 
• 2021 NOC: Funeral directors and embalmers (62201) 

Embalmers use dignity and respect in their care for the deceased. In general, they:

• Embalm human remains to preserve and disinfect them
• Determine appropriate options for embalming techniques and chemical selection
• Perform transfers from place of death to funeral home
• Perform cosmetology or restorative work to return bodies to as natural an appearance as possible
• Dress deceased persons and place them in caskets for cremation or burial
• Maintain records, arrange equipment, and assist in the upkeep of the funeral home
• Maintain a clean working environment and understand the importance of personal protective equipment
• Follow health precautions and adhere to Occupational Health and Safety Standards for personal and public hygiene

Embalmers may also supervise funeral attendants or other funeral home staff.

Most of an embalmer’s work is done under surgical conditions in an embalming preparation room.

In larger funeral homes, embalmers work normal office hours and some evenings. In small establishments, they may work longer hours. Embalmers may need to transfer remains into care at any hour.

Some heavy lifting is required.

Embalmers work in funeral homes across the province. Licensed embalmers may train to become funeral directors.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

In the 6346: Funeral directors and embalmers occupational group, 98.9% of people work in:

• Other Services

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 6346: Funeral directors and embalmers occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA) website: www.afsa.ca

Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB) website: www.afsrb.ab.ca

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