How much does a funeral director make?

They meet families to plan the service, write obituaries, and arrange clergy, pallbearers, transport, and burial or cremation. They also file legal papers and help direct the ceremony, sometimes alongside several funerals in a day.

Did you know? In the U.S., the first mortuary-science school opened in 1882—the same year funeral directors formed their national association.

In the U.S., finish high school, earn an associate degree in funeral service or mortuary science, then complete supervised training (often 1–3 years) and pass required exams to get a state license. Most states require applicants to be 21, though rules vary.

School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience

Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling

Why does pay differ?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skills, licenses or credentials, the employer, and location. Funeral directors often work long, on-call hours, including evenings and weekends, so schedules and hours can also affect earnings.