Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Funeral Arranger
- Funeral Counselor
- Funeral Director
- Mortician
Alternate Job Titles
- Arranger
- Cemetery Manager
- Certified Mortician
- Embalmer
- Funeral Arrangement Director
- Funeral Arranger
- Funeral Counselor
- Funeral Director
- Funeral Family Service Assistant
- Funeral Location Manager
- Funeral Planner
- Funeral Planning Counselor
- Funeral Prearrangement Counselor
- Funeral Prearrangement Specialist
- Hospital Mortician
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Service Orientation
- Speaking
- Coordination
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Information Ordering
- Selective Attention
- Written Expression
- Written Comprehension
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Empathy
- Integrity
- Self-Control
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Independence
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Salesforce software
Tools & Equipment
- Adult trocars
- Air brushes
- Aneurysm needles
- Angular forceps
- Arm and hand positioners
- Axillary drain tubes
- Barber scissors
- Bistoury knives
- Blending brushes
- Body bags
- Body positioners
- Calvarium clamps
- Carotid tubes
- Casket lifters
- Centrifugal force pumps
Work Environment
- Telephone Conversations
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Contact With Others
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $31,470 |
| Median | $49,800 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $85,940 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 25,700
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Funeral Attendants
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $34,610
Funeral Home Managers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $76,830
Embalmers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $56,280
Crematory Operators
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $42,880
Home Health Aides
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: Varies
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.