Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers
SOC Code: 39-4031Also known as:
Arranger, Cemetery Manager, Certified Mortician, Embalmer, Funeral Arrangement Director
Median Annual Salary
$49,800
+3.1% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
28K
Current Jobs
What Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers Do
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct individual funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
💰 Salary
$49,800
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
27,500
Projected Employment (2034)
28,400
Related Careers
Funeral home managers
$76,830 •
+4.1% growth
Crematory operators
$42,880 •
+3.3% growth
Funeral attendants
$34,610 •
+3.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Speaking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
- Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
- Perform embalming duties, as necessary.
- Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
- Remove deceased remains from place of death.
- Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.
- Close caskets and lead funeral corteges to churches or burial sites.
- Provide information on funeral service options, products, or merchandise, and maintain a casket display area.
- Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Associate's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers:
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General
2,332 degrees awarded •
58 colleges offer this program
Funeral Direction/Service
252 degrees awarded •
12 colleges offer this program
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other
28 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers make?
The median annual salary for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers is $49,800.
What education do morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers need?
Most morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, General, Funeral Direction/Service, Funeral Service and Mortuary Science, Other.
Is becoming morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers a good career choice?
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers is projected to see +3.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers?
Top colleges for aspiring morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers include
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Wayne State University, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc, Des Moines Area Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers?
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers may also be known as: Arranger, Cemetery Manager, Certified Mortician, Embalmer, Funeral Arrangement Director, Funeral Arranger, Funeral Counselor, Funeral Director, Funeral Family Service Assistant, Funeral Location Manager, Funeral Planner, Funeral Planning Counselor, Funeral Prearrangement Counselor, Funeral Prearrangement Specialist, Hospital Mortician, Licensed Embalmer, Licensed Funeral Director, Licensed Mortician, Mortician, Undertaker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.