Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers salary by state
What Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangerss do
Typical education: Associate's Degree
Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
Perform embalming duties, as necessary.
Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
Remove deceased remains from place of death.
Top skills:Social PerceptivenessActive ListeningService OrientationSpeakingCoordinationTime Management
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers pay by experience level
Entry level$34,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$44,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$57,000
Mid-career median pay
Senior$74,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$91,500
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+3.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
3,200
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers salary by industry
Personal and Laundry Services
24,780 workers
$60,000
Death Care Services
24,780 workers
$60,000
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
150 workers
$97,000
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
140 workers
$99,000
Educational Services
30 workers
$82,500
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
30 workers
$82,500
National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers pays 26% above the average across 33 roles in the Personal Care and Service job family (family average $47,500).
