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Funeral service covers the people who arrange and conduct funerals, embalm, operate crematories and run funeral homes. It is licensed work with a defined entry path: education, a supervised apprenticeship, then exams. Unlike most roles on JobSnag, nearly all of it is on-site, so this page lists jobs of any work mode.
The numbers below come from the Bureau of Labor Statistics funeral service occupations profile.
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The main roles are funeral director (who arranges and conducts services), embalmer (who prepares the deceased), crematory operator, and apprentice, the paid trainee position that most licensed professionals start in. In some states the funeral director and embalmer licenses are combined, so one person may do both. Funeral home managers oversee staff and operations and sit at the top of the BLS pay range below.
How much do funeral service jobs pay?
BLS figures are May 2024 medians. Apprentice pay is a third-party figure and is labeled reported.
| Role | Pay | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Funeral service workers (all) | $59,420/yr median | BLS OOH, May 2024 |
| Funeral home managers (11-9171) | $76,830/yr median | BLS OOH, May 2024 |
| Morticians, undertakers and funeral arrangers (39-4031) | $49,800/yr median | BLS OOH, May 2024 |
| Apprentice | ~$13–$22/hr, average about $17 (reported) | Payscale, 2026 |
| Carriage Services apprentice posting (TN) | $20/hr | Employer posting |
The path pays more as you license and move into management, but expect modest apprentice wages while you train.
How to get licensed
Most states require an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited program. After that comes a supervised apprenticeship, typically 1 to 3 years (Kansas, for example, requires 24 months). You then pass the National Board Exam (ICFSEB) and a state law exam.
Funeral director and embalmer licenses are separate in some states and combined in others, so check your state board. The NFDA career guide lays out the path. Crematory operators can earn certification through the CANA Crematory Operations Certification Program.
Verified employers
These companies run funeral homes and post openings on their own sites:
- SCI / Dignity Memorial: offers a paid apprenticeship.
- Carriage Services: has posted apprentice roles (for example $20 an hour in Tennessee).
- Park Lawn Corporation.
- Foundation Partners Group.
The reality of the job
Days are built around families. You handle first calls and removals, hold arrangement conferences, prepare permits and death certificates, embalm, and direct services. Being on call 24/7 is common, and a 3 a.m. first call is part of the job.
It is emotionally heavy work. Research on funeral service workers has linked the job to burnout and secondary trauma that can rise with experience (PMC study). Ask any employer about call rotation and time off before you accept.
Protect yourself
Legitimate funeral employers never charge you to apply or ask you to cash a check for them. The FTC explains how fake-check scams work, and the BBB has published research on job scams. Apply on the employer's own careers page.
Funeral Service Jobs — FAQ
How much do funeral directors make?
BLS reports a median of $76,830 a year for funeral home managers and $49,800 for morticians, undertakers and funeral arrangers, with $59,420 for funeral service workers overall (May 2024).
Do I need a degree to become a funeral director?
In most states, yes: an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited program, followed by a supervised apprenticeship and the National Board Exam plus a state law exam.
How long is a funeral service apprenticeship?
Typically 1 to 3 years depending on the state. Kansas, for example, requires 24 months.
Are funeral service jobs remote?
Almost never. Arrangement, embalming and services are in person, so these roles are on-site.
Is funeral service a good career?
It offers licensed, stable work with a clear path, at the cost of on-call hours and an emotionally demanding environment. Try to spend time at a funeral home before committing to school.
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