Funeral Director Career: Salary, Schooling, and How to Get Started

What Does a Funeral Director Do

A funeral director is the person who guides a family through every step of the funeral process, from the moment they receive the call that someone has died to the final details of the burial or cremation. This includes meeting with the family to discuss their wishes, coordinating logistics with cemeteries, churches, and other venues, and managing the business side of the funeral home.

On any given day, a funeral director might file death certificates with the county, arrange transportation of a body from a hospital or home, help a family select a casket, write and submit an obituary to the local newspaper, and set up a chapel for a viewing. The work requires equal parts organizational skill, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail.

Beyond the logistical work, funeral directors serve as a steady, calm presence for families in crisis. They answer questions about what happens next, explain options without pressure, and handle the countless small tasks that grieving families should not have to think about. It is a job that demands both professionalism and genuine compassion.

Funeral Director vs Embalmer

While many people use these terms interchangeably, they describe different roles. A funeral director manages the business and ceremonial aspects of funeral service: meeting with families, arranging services, handling paperwork, and overseeing the overall operation of the funeral home. An embalmer specializes in the preparation and preservation of the body, including embalming, cosmetic restoration, and dressing the deceased for viewing.

In practice, many funeral professionals are licensed to do both. Smaller funeral homes, in particular, often employ directors who also perform embalming. Larger operations may have dedicated embalmers on staff who focus exclusively on body preparation while directors handle the family facing work.

Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states issue a single license that covers both funeral directing and embalming, while others require separate licenses for each role. If you are considering a career in the field, check your state's requirements to understand what credentials you will need.

Funeral Home vs Mortuary

These two terms refer to essentially the same type of establishment. A funeral home and a mortuary both provide facilities for preparing the deceased, hosting viewings and services, and coordinating burials or cremations. The difference is primarily regional. In some parts of the country, the term funeral home is more common, while in others, mortuary is preferred.

Some people draw a distinction by saying that a mortuary focuses more on body preparation while a funeral home offers a fuller range of services including chapel space for ceremonies. In reality, most establishments provide the complete range of services regardless of what they call themselves. When you are researching career options or shopping for services, the name on the sign matters less than the actual services offered and the quality of care provided.

How Much Do Funeral Directors Make

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for funeral directors in the United States falls between $57,000 and $65,000. Entry level positions typically start around $40,000 per year, while directors with significant experience, those working in high cost of living areas, or those who own their own funeral homes can earn $95,000 or more.

Geography plays a significant role in compensation. Funeral directors in major metropolitan areas and in states with higher costs of living tend to earn more than those in rural areas. The volume of services a funeral home handles also affects income, as busier establishments generate more revenue and can afford to pay higher salaries.

Ownership is where the real financial upside exists. Funeral directors who own their funeral homes can earn significantly more than salaried employees, though they also take on the financial risk and responsibility of running a business. Many directors work as employees for several years to gain experience before purchasing or opening their own establishment.

How to Become a Funeral Director

The path to becoming a funeral director involves education, hands on training, and state licensure. Most states require a degree in mortuary science from an accredited program, which can be completed in two years for an associate degree or four years for a bachelor's degree. The American Board of Funeral Service Education accredits programs across the country.

After completing your degree, you will need to serve an apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director, typically lasting one to two years depending on the state. During the apprenticeship, you work alongside experienced professionals and learn the practical aspects of the job that cannot be taught in a classroom.

Once the apprenticeship is complete, you must pass the National Board Examination, which is administered by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. After passing the exam, you apply for your state license. Some states have additional requirements, such as a state specific exam or continuing education credits to maintain the license.

Mortuary Science Degree

A mortuary science degree covers a broad curriculum designed to prepare you for every aspect of funeral service. Core courses include embalming and restorative art, funeral service law, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, chemistry, business management, and grief psychology. Many programs also include coursework in ethics, communication, and cultural diversity in funeral practices.

Programs are available at community colleges, universities, and specialized mortuary science schools. The associate degree is the minimum requirement in most states, but a bachelor's degree can provide a competitive advantage and may open doors to management positions or funeral home ownership more quickly.

Clinical work is a component of most programs. Students gain hands on experience in a funeral home laboratory setting, learning embalming procedures, restorative techniques, and the proper handling and care of the deceased. This practical training is essential preparation for the apprenticeship that follows graduation.

Licensing Requirements by State

Every state requires funeral directors to be licensed, but the specific requirements differ. Most states require a mortuary science degree from an accredited program, a completed apprenticeship of one to two years, and a passing score on the National Board Examination. Some states also require a separate state exam that covers local laws and regulations.

A handful of states issue a single, combined license for funeral directing and embalming, while others issue separate licenses for each discipline. If you plan to work in multiple states, be aware that licenses do not always transfer. Some states offer reciprocity agreements that simplify the process, but others require you to meet their full set of requirements independently.

Continuing education is required to maintain licensure in most states. Directors typically need to complete a certain number of continuing education hours each renewal period, covering topics such as new regulations, industry best practices, and ethics. Check with your state's licensing board for the specific requirements that apply to you.