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.
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
SOC: 39-4031 O*NET: 39-4031.00
Median Salary
$55,010
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 3.1%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
3.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$33,350
10th percentile
Early Career
$42,430
25th percentile
Median
$55,010
50th percentile
Experienced
$72,010
75th percentile
Top Earners
$88,620
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$33,350
25th
$42,430
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$55,010
Mean: $58,160
75th
$72,010
90th
$88,620
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $55,270 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $42,430 and $72,010
- •Salary spread is 53.8% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 25,100 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:27,500
Top Industries
Other Services (except Public Administration)98.8%
Personal and Laundry Services98.7%
Death Care Services98.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+3.1%
Annual Openings:3,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)27,500
Current
2034 (Projected)28,400
+3.1%
+800
Employment Change
+3.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 48 locations
California
2,240 jobs$50,7500.76x
Florida
1,510 jobs$48,5100.94x
Texas
1,500 jobs$46,6300.66x
Ohio
1,370 jobs$57,8001.53x
Illinois
1,320 jobs$69,6001.34x
New York
1,030 jobs$63,0900.66x
North Carolina
1,000 jobs$60,7301.25x
Pennsylvania
910 jobs$63,5800.93x
Michigan
810 jobs$60,4501.15x
Missouri
790 jobs$42,9401.66x
Georgia
780 jobs$49,9900.99x
Iowa
640 jobs$63,7002.54x
Indiana
630 jobs$60,8901.23x
New Jersey
580 jobs$69,1100.84x
Wisconsin
580 jobs$58,2501.23x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Social Perceptiveness
100%
#2
Customer and Personal Service
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Active Listening
94%
#5
English Language
94%
#6
Speech Clarity
92%
#7
Service Orientation
86%
#8
Administrative
86%
#9
Oral Comprehension
82%
#10
Coordination
80%
Skills Overview
Social Perceptiveness
advanced5.0
100%
Customer and Personal Service
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Active Listening
advanced4.7
94%
English Language
advanced4.7
94%
Speech Clarity
advanced4.6
92%
Service Orientation
intermediate4.3
86%
Administrative
intermediate4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Social Perceptiveness
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Customer and Personal Service
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Active Listening
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
English Language
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Speech Clarity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Service Orientation
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Administrative
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Oral Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Coordination
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Administration and Management
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes82%
5 shared skills
Bill and Account Collectors82%
5 shared skills
Fundraisers82%
5 shared skills
Insurance Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Real Estate Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Travel Guides82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Learn on the Job:
- →Time Management
- →Writing
- →Personnel and Human Resources
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Social Perceptiveness
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Service Orientation
- ✓Coordination
- ✓Customer and Personal Service
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Social Perceptiveness
- ★Active Listening
- ★Service Orientation
- ★Customer and Personal Service
- ★English Language
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Salesforce software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Salesforce software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (3)General Responsibilities (12)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Operations & Execution (2)Management & Supervision (2)
1
Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Provide information on funeral service options, products, or merchandise, and maintain a casket display area.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping88% perform92%
6
Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Close caskets and lead funeral corteges to churches or burial sites.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Arrange for clergy members to perform needed services.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Provide or arrange transportation between sites for the remains, mourners, pallbearers, clergy, or flowers.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Perform embalming duties, as necessary.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Operations & Execution73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers professionals typically have a CES Holland code and highly value relationships
CConventional
EEnterprising
SSocial
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level4.79
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.79
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.70
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.50
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.40
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.18
Complete Work Styles Profile
Concern for Others
4.8
Integrity
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.5
Initiative
4.4
Cooperation
4.2
Leadership
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Self-Control
4.1
Independence
3.7
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 27 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: ME (27)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts-Boulder
Boulder, CO
3.5k program completions/year
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute-Covington
Covington, LA
1.9k program completions/year
Evergreen Beauty and Barber College-Everett
Everett, WA
994 program completions/year
Douglas J Aveda Institute
East Lansing, MI
832 program completions/year
Christine Valmy International School for Esthetics, Skin Care & Makeup
New York, NY
786 program completions/year
Aveda Institute-South Florida
Davie, FL
746 program completions/year
Crescent City Bartending School
New Orleans, LA
590 program completions/year
Celebrity School of Beauty
Miami, FL
582 program completions/year
Institute of Culinary Education
New York, NY
582 program completions/year
Aveda Institute-Tallahassee
Clearwater, FL
557 program completions/year
Asian-American International Beauty College
Westminster, CA
548 program completions/year
Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts & Sciences-Summerlin
Las Vegas, NV
544 program completions/year