Embalmers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (4%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 0 (0%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 25 (96%)

• Maintain records, such as itemized lists of clothing or valuables delivered with body and names of persons embalmed.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Conform to laws of health and sanitation and ensure that legal requirements concerning embalming are met.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Apply cosmetics to impart lifelike appearance to the deceased.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Join lips, using needles and thread or wire.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Close incisions, using needles and sutures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Incise stomach and abdominal walls and probe internal organs, using trocar, to withdraw blood and waste matter from organs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean and disinfect areas in which bodies are prepared and embalmed.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dress bodies and place them in caskets.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Make incisions in arms or thighs and drain blood from circulatory system and replace it with embalming fluid, using pump.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove the deceased from place of death and transport to funeral home.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform the duties of funeral directors, including coordinating funeral activities.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Attach trocar to pump-tube, start pump, and repeat probing to force embalming fluid into organs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Reshape or reconstruct disfigured or maimed bodies when necessary, using dermasurgery techniques and materials such as clay, cotton, plaster of Paris, and wax.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Pack body orifices with cotton saturated with embalming fluid to prevent escape of gases or waste matter.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct interviews to arrange for the preparation of obituary notices, to assist with the selection of caskets or urns, and to determine the location and time of burials or cremations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Insert convex celluloid or cotton between eyeballs and eyelids to prevent slipping and sinking of eyelids.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist with placing caskets in hearses and organize cemetery processions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Wash and dry bodies, using germicidal soap and towels or hot air dryers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Arrange for transporting the deceased to another state for interment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform special procedures necessary for remains that are to be transported to other states or overseas, or where death was caused by infectious disease.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise funeral attendants and other funeral home staff.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Serve as pallbearers, attend visiting rooms, and provide other assistance to the bereaved.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct casket and floral display placement and arrange guest seating.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Arrange funeral home equipment and perform general maintenance.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assist coroners at death scenes or at autopsies, file police reports, and testify at inquests or in court, if employed by a coroner.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Press diaphragm to evacuate air from lungs.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task