Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers are professionals who are responsible for preparing bodies for burial or cremation and assisting families with funeral arrangements. Their job description may include: 1. Embalming: Preserving and preparing the deceased through embalming or other processes. 2. Cosmetology: Applying makeup and dressing the deceased for public viewing. 3. Meeting with Families: Consulting with families to make funeral arrangements, including selecting caskets, services, and managing paperwork. 4. Coordinating Services: Overseeing funeral services, managing logistics, coordinating transportation of the deceased, and ensuring that all aspects of the service run smoothly. 5. Supporting Grieving Families: Providing emotional support and guidance to grieving families throughout the funeral process. 6. Managing Funeral Home Operations: Handling administrative tasks, maintaining facilities, managing inventory, and ensuring compliance with regulations. 7. Arranging Cemetery Plots and Burials: Coordinating cemetery arrangements, graveside services, and burials. 8. Documenting Information: Recording information about the deceased and maintaining accurate records. Overall, morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers play a crucial role in helping families navigate the difficult process of honoring their loved ones after death.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $43,440.00 |
25th percentile | $58,770.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $65,050.00 |
75th percentile | $82,830.00 |
90th percentile | $115,640.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $20.88 |
25th percentile | $28.26 |
median (50th percentile) | $31.28 |
75th percentile | $39.82 |
90th percentile | $55.59 |
To become a Mortician, Undertaker, or Funeral Arranger, individuals typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer candidates with postsecondary education in mortuary science or a related field, such as an associate's or bachelor's degree in funeral service or mortuary science. While formal education requirements can vary by state and employer, completing an accredited mortuary science program is often necessary for licensure. Training programs cover topics like embalming, restorative art, ethics, business management, and legal regulations. Additionally, most states require aspiring professionals to complete an apprenticeship under the supervision of a licensed funeral director or embalmer, gaining hands-on experience in all aspects of funeral service.