Funeral Home Manager Salary 2025: $78,790 Median, 4.1% Growth
The median annual wage for Funeral Home Managers is $78,790, according to the latest BLS data. The top 10% earn over $156,400, while those just starting out make around $49,700. With employment of 13,910 and a projected 4.1% growth rate from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the average occupation — there’s steady demand for these professionals.
How much Funeral Home Managers earn
The mean annual wage for Funeral Home Managers is $92,840, or about $38 per hour. The typical range spans from $49,700 at the 10th percentile to $156,400 at the 90th. Your actual pay depends on location, experience, and the size of the funeral home.
- National median: $78,790
- Mean hourly wage: $44.64
- 10th percentile: $49,700
- 90th percentile: $156,400
Pay by state
The highest-paying state is Rhode Island at $122,150, followed by Pennsylvania ($104,400), New York ($103,530), Connecticut ($102,810), and Washington ($102,540). On the lower end, Nevada ($60,750), Arkansas ($60,260), and Kentucky ($47,040) trail significantly. State-level cost-of-living differences partly explain the gap.
- Highest: Rhode Island $122,150
- Pennsylvania $104,400
- New York $103,530
- Lowest: Kentucky $47,040
- Nevada $60,750
- Arkansas $60,260
How to become Funeral Home Manager
Most Funeral Home Managers start as funeral service workers or embalmers. The typical path includes an associate or bachelor’s degree in mortuary science, followed by state licensure (requirements vary, but most require passing the National Board Exam and a one-year apprenticeship). Many managers work up from roles like funeral director or embalmer.
- Complete a mortuary science degree (usually 2-4 years)
- Complete a state-approved apprenticeship (often 1-3 years)
- Pass the National Board Exam and state licensing exam
- Gain experience as a funeral director or embalmer
- Pursue optional certifications through organizations like the National Funeral Directors Association
Job outlook
Employment of Funeral Home Managers is projected to grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,600 job openings each year stem from growth and replacement of retirees or those leaving the field. The aging U.S. population and increasing demand for personalized services drive steady demand.
- Projected growth 2024–2034: 4.1%
- Annual openings: ~2,600
- Employment: 13,910
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a Funeral Home Manager?
Entry-level Funeral Home Managers earn around $49,700, the 10th percentile figure from BLS. Starting pay varies by state and employer.
Do Funeral Home Managers need a degree?
Most require an associate or bachelor’s degree in mortuary science, plus state licensure. Apprenticeship and national exam are typical.
Is funeral home management a growing career?
Yes, 4.1% growth projected 2024-2034, faster than average. About 2,600 openings per year.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Funeral Home Managers data.