Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers Salary Guide 2025: How to Become One and Career Outlook
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers earn a national median salary of $55,010, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean annual wage is $58,160, or about $26 per hour. The typical range runs from $33,350 at the 10th percentile to $88,620 at the 90th.
How much Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers earn
The median annual wage for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers is $55,010. That means half earn more, half earn less. At the low end, the bottom 10% make $33,350 or less; at the high end, the top 10% earn $88,620 or more. The mean hourly wage works out to about $26.
Pay can vary significantly by employer type. Those in funeral homes and related services form the largest employer group. Experience, certifications, and location all push earnings up or down.
Pay by state
Where you work matters a lot. Delaware pays the highest average wage at $81,530. Utah ($72,800), Illinois ($69,600), New Jersey ($69,110), and Nebraska ($64,310) also top the list. On the lower end, Arizona averages $41,870, South Carolina $40,020, and Arkansas $36,120. That's a spread of more than $45,000 between the highest and lowest states.
How to become Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arranger
The path usually starts with an associate's degree in funeral service or mortuary science from a program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. Courses cover embalming, restorative art, ethics, and business law. After completing the degree, you typically serve a one- to three-year apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director.
Then you must pass a national board exam and a state licensing exam. Most states require continuing education to keep the license. Some roles, like funeral arranger, may have less stringent requirements, but employer expectations still lean toward licensed candidates.
- Earn an associate's degree in mortuary science or funeral service (about 2 years).
- Complete a state-mandated apprenticeship (1–3 years).
- Pass the National Board Exam and state licensing exam.
- Maintain license with continuing education credits.
Job outlook
Employment for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers is projected to grow 3.1% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. That translates to roughly 3,200 job openings each year over the decade, most of them from workers retiring or leaving the field. The current workforce numbers about 25,100.
Demand is steady because death care is non-discretionary. Population aging contributes to slow but consistent hiring. Competition for jobs can be higher in urban areas with more funeral homes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for a mortician in 2025?
The national median is $55,010, with a typical range from $33,350 to $88,620, according to BLS data.
How long does it take to become a funeral arranger?
It typically takes 2 to 4 years: a 2-year associate degree plus a 1- to 3-year apprenticeship, then licensing.
Is funeral director a growing career?
Yes, 3.1% growth from 2024 to 2034, about average, with about 3,200 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 Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers data.