Curious About a Career as a Mortician? Let's Talk Salary!
Thinking about a career as a mortician, funeral director, or embalmer? It's a unique and incredibly important profession, but it's natural to be curious about the financial side of things. How much do morticians actually make? The answer isn't a single number, but we can give you a clear picture of what to expect.
The salary for morticians, funeral directors, and embalmers can vary quite a bit depending on a few key factors, like where you live, your experience, and the size of the funeral home you work for. However, we can look at the average numbers to get a good idea of the salary landscape in the United States.
The Average Mortician Salary
The average annual salary for a mortician in the U.S. generally falls in a range. While some sources may show a slightly different average, many reliable sources indicate that the average salary for a mortician is around $50,000 to $65,000 per year.
It's helpful to look at the salary range, as it gives you a better idea of the earning potential.
Entry-Level: If you're just starting out, a new mortician with less than a year of experience might earn a starting salary in the low to mid $40,000s.
Experienced Professionals: As you gain more experience, your salary will likely increase. Morticians with several years of experience can often earn over $70,000 per year. Top earners, particularly those in high-demand areas or management roles, can even make over $80,000.
1
Location, Location, Location!
Just like with any profession, where you live plays a big role in how much you can earn. Salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas with a higher cost of living. For example, a mortician in a major city like San Francisco or New York City will likely make more than someone working in a rural town.
On the flip side, some states and regions have a higher demand for morticians, which can also influence the salary. States like Ohio and Iowa, for instance, have a high concentration of jobs in this field and offer competitive wages.
Mortician vs. Funeral Director vs. Embalmer
You'll often hear these terms used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences that impact salary. While many professionals hold dual licenses and perform all these duties, a funeral director who handles all the client-facing work and business management might earn a higher salary than a mortician or embalmer who focuses primarily on preparing the deceased.
Funeral Director: Often responsible for arranging services, working with families, and overseeing the funeral home's operations.
2 Their median salary can be slightly higher than that of an embalmer.Embalmer: Specializes in the preservation and preparation of the body. Their salary is typically included in the overall mortician salary data, but can sometimes be a separate role.
Mortuary Technician/Assistant: These are entry-level roles that may not require a full mortuary science degree. Their salaries are typically lower, often in the $30,000 to $40,000 range. This can be a great way to get a feel for the industry before committing to school.
Is Being a Mortician a High-Paying Job?
Compared to the national median income for all occupations, a mortician's salary is considered to be a solid, middle-class income. While it's not the highest-paying profession, it offers good job security and a stable career path. The job outlook for funeral service workers is also positive, with a projected growth rate that is about as fast as the national average.
So, if you're compassionate, detail-oriented, and looking for a career that provides a sense of purpose and stability, the mortician profession offers a respectable salary to go along with its invaluable service.