Explore
Funeral home & mortuary
Funeral Director
Meeting people on the worst day and getting the details right.
Typical pay
$50k-$90k
How you get in
Associate in mortuary science plus apprenticeship and licensure
Outlook
Steady; an aging population sustains demand
Funeral directors coordinate arrangements, handle remains and guide families through the logistics of a death. It is licensed work combining a service business, a public health function and grief support in one role.
A day in the life
- 8:00aReview the day's services and transfer requests
- 9:00aArrangement conference with a family
- 11:00aFile the death certificate and permits
- 1:00pPrepare and set the chapel for an afternoon service
- 3:00pDirect the service and the procession
- 7:00pOn-call transfer from a care facility
How to get in
Mortuary science degree
Duration
2-4 years
Cost
$15,000-$50,000
Credential
State funeral director and embalmer license
- Complete an ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program
- Pass the National Board Examination
- Complete a one to three year apprenticeship under a licensed director
- Get state licensed — requirements vary significantly by state
Apprenticeship first
Duration
1-3 years
Cost
$15,000-$50,000 for the degree portion
Credential
Same license
- Get hired at a funeral home as an assistant or removal technician
- Confirm you can do this work before enrolling — many cannot
- Complete mortuary science coursework, often while employed
- Finish the apprenticeship and licensure
Director into ownership
Duration
5-15 years
Cost
$500,000-$2,000,000 to buy a funeral home
Credential
License plus financing
- Work as a licensed director and learn the business side
- Understand pre-need contracts, merchandise margins and facility costs
- Buy an existing home with an established community reputation
- Consolidation by large chains is the main competitive pressure
What people love
- · Recession-proof by definition
- · Deeply meaningful service to families
- · Two-year degree to a licensed profession
- · Ownership of a funeral home is a durable business
What wears people down
- · On call nights, weekends and holidays
- · Constant proximity to grief and death
- · Physically demanding transfers
- · Families under stress can be difficult