Funeral Director

Understand what a funeral director actually does day to day, the licensing and training the role requires, and how to decide whether the work suits you.

Lowest way in: Associate degree The least you can qualify with, not the most common route.
Time to get there: 2 to 4 years From a standing start, including any required experience.
License: License required Whether the law requires one to do this work at all.
Time with families: Constant How much of the job is spent with dying people or the people who love them.
Typical pay: $49,800 Median for morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers, May 2024. US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At a glance

What they do: Funeral directors coordinate all aspects of funeral and memorial services, including body preparation, legal paperwork, scheduling, transportation, and working directly with families.
Education: Most states require a degree in mortuary science from an accredited program. This is typically an associate’s degree, though some roles may prefer or require a bachelor’s.
Licensing: Nearly every state requires a license. The one exception is Colorado, where licenses became available in 2025 but are not legally required until January 1, 2027. Licensing usually includes completing an apprenticeship, passing the National Board Exam, and meeting additional state-level requirements.
Work environment: Funeral directors typically work in funeral homes, crematories, or for larger firms. Many are family-run businesses with staff on call 24/7.
Key skills: The role demands empathy, organization, attention to detail, communication, and the ability to work under emotional pressure.
Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for funeral service workers is around $58,000 annually, with opportunities for higher earnings over time.
Outlook: The field is expected to grow steadily due to aging populations and a consistent need for end-of-life services.
Career paths: Many start as apprentices, become licensed directors, and move into roles like general manager, owner, embalmer, or grief counselor.
Common challenges: Long hours, emotional intensity, and working with grieving families require strong boundaries and emotional resilience.

Why Choose A Career As A Funeral Director?

Working in funeral service is more than a job. It’s an opportunity to make a difference during one of the most difficult times in someone’s life. This career combines compassion, organization, and purpose.

You Make a Real Difference: Funeral directors help families navigate grief, honor loved ones, and create space for healing.
Consistent Demand: The need for funeral professionals remains steady, with reliable job prospects in most regions.
Every Day Is Unique: You’ll manage logistics, support families, and coordinate services, all while adapting to different needs and cultures.
Strong Human Connection: This role offers meaningful, face-to-face work that builds trust and creates lasting impact.
Opportunities to Grow: Start as an apprentice, then advance into management, ownership, education, or specialized areas like green burial or grief support.
A Calming Presence: Funeral directors are often the quiet guides who bring stability, structure, and reassurance during emotional times.

How To Get Started

Becoming a funeral director takes more than compassion. It requires formal training, licensing, and hands-on experience. Here’s a step-by-step look at how to enter the field.

1. Check Your State Requirements

Licensing rules vary by state. Some require a dual license for embalming and directing; others allow them separately. Visit your state’s funeral licensing board website to learn more.

2. Enroll in an ABFSE-Accredited Mortuary Science Program

Choose an associate or bachelor’s degree program accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education. (Scroll down to learn more.)

3. Complete Your Apprenticeship

Most states require a 1–2 year apprenticeship under a licensed funeral director. This provides practical experience in planning services, handling remains, and interacting with families.

4. Pass the National Board Exam (NBE)

The NBE includes two parts: Arts and Sciences. Passing both is required in nearly all states for licensure. You can learn more about the NBE from the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards.

5. Apply for State Licensure

Once you’ve completed your education, apprenticeship, and exams, apply for your funeral director license through your state board.

6. Begin Your Career or Specialize

Start working in a funeral home, crematory, or related setting. You may also pursue additional certifications in embalming, grief care, or green burial.

7. Stay Licensed with Continuing Education

Most states require CE hours every 1–2 years. Courses cover ethics, technical updates, grief support, and legal requirements.

Career Pathways

A career as a funeral director opens the door to a variety of specialized and leadership roles. Whether you want to focus on the technical side, grow into business ownership, or support families in new ways, the field offers room to evolve.

Typical Progression

Here’s a look at the typical career path for funeral directors, from entry-level to ownership:

Apprentice: Gain hands-on experience under a licensed director. This is often a paid training role required for licensure.
Licensed Funeral Director: Coordinate services, meet with families, and oversee logistics.
Lead Funeral Director or Manager: Supervise staff, manage daily operations, and ensure compliance.
Funeral Home Owner: Operate an independent or franchise funeral home, with responsibility for staffing, marketing, and financial performance.

Alternative or Specialized Roles

Many funeral professionals branch out into specialized roles that align with their skills, interests, or values, including:

Embalmer or Restorative Artist: Focus on preparation of remains and cosmetic presentation.
Crematory Operator: Manage cremation services and equipment; may require separate certification.
Grief Counselor: Some directors pursue training in mental health or spiritual care to provide deeper support.
Green Burial Specialist: Assist families with eco-friendly end-of-life options such as natural burial or body composting.
Celebrant or Funeral Officiant: Create and lead personalized, non-denominational ceremonies.
Compliance or Licensing Consultant: Work with other directors or regulatory boards to ensure best practices and training.

Professional Growth Tip

Joining associations like the NFDA or ICCFA can lead to leadership roles, continuing education, and speaking opportunities within the profession. Buried in Work maintains a long list of local and national Funeral Industry Associations, Organizations, & Industry Groups that we encourage you to check out.

ABFSE-Accredited Schools

To become a licensed funeral director, most states require a degree in mortuary science from a school accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE). These programs ensure you receive the technical training, ethical grounding, and clinical experience necessary for the profession.

Key Facts

Program Type: Associate or bachelor’s degree
Program Length: Typically 18 to 24 months for an associate degree
Topics Covered: Embalming, restorative art, funeral service law, ethics, grief counseling, business management, and anatomy
Formats Available: On-campus, online, and hybrid options (availability varies by state and school)

How to Find a School

Visit the ABFSE School Directory to search by state, program length, and delivery method. Make sure that you choose a program that aligns with your state’s licensing board requirements and offers support with National Board Exam preparation.

Remember, Graduation Is One Step In An Important Process

Once you complete your degree, you’ll often need to enter an apprenticeship before taking the licensing exams.

And who it is probably not for

If you need predictable hours, this will wear you down. Deaths do not schedule themselves, and on-call nights and weekends are normal rather than exceptional. It is also a customer-facing sales role as much as a caring one: you will discuss prices with people on the worst day of their lives. Being uncomfortable with that part does not make you unsuited to the work, but pretending it is not there does.

Ruling something out is a useful result. If this is not the one, there are 26 others.

Thinking about becoming a funeral director? These answers cover the most common questions about education, licensing, day-to-day work, and lifestyle considerations.

Common questions

Do I need a degree to become a funeral director?

Yes. Most states require an associate’s degree in mortuary science from an accredited program. A few may allow an apprenticeship first, but a degree is typically part of the licensing process.

How long does it take to become licensed?

Typically 2 to 4 years. That includes schooling, an apprenticeship (usually 1–2 years), and passing the exams.

Do all funeral directors also embalm?

Not always. Some professionals hold dual licenses, while others specialize. Many states issue separate licenses for funeral directing and embalming.

Is it possible to work part-time or on a schedule?

Yes, in some cases and especially in larger funeral homes or corporate-owned providers. However, many directors are on-call and work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends.

How emotionally difficult is the job?

The work can be emotionally demanding. Funeral directors often support families during crisis and loss, so emotional resilience and personal boundaries are important.

Can I open my own funeral home?

Yes, once licensed, many directors choose to start or purchase a funeral home. Business skills, local licensing, and capital are required to get started.

What are continuing education requirements?

Most states require licensed directors to complete continuing education (CE) hours every 1–2 years to maintain licensure. Topics may include ethics, law updates, grief care, or technical training.

What’s the difference between a funeral director and a mortician?

The terms are often used interchangeably in the U.S., though “mortician” can imply a more hands-on role with preparation of remains, while “funeral director” may focus more on planning and family interaction.

Are there options for working in green or eco-friendly funerals?

Yes. Many funeral directors now offer or specialize in green burial services, human composting coordination, or other sustainable end-of-life options. Some states have specific certifications or training.

Can I become a funeral director if I’m not religious?

Absolutely. While many services involve religious traditions, funeral directors serve families of all beliefs and backgrounds. Respect and adaptability are more important than personal faith.

Are there scholarships or funding for mortuary school?

Yes. Organizations like the Funeral Service Foundation and state associations offer scholarships, especially for underrepresented students or those pursuing public service.

Is this a good second career?

Yes. Many people enter the field later in life after working in nursing, counseling, ministry, or event management. Life experience is often seen as an asset.

What professional organizations should I know about?

Key ones include the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association (ICCFA), and state-specific boards.

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