Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
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.
SOC: 39-4031.00
Common Job Titles
Funeral ArrangerFuneral CounselorFuneral DirectorMortician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- MindsetIntegrate compassionate communication with grief support principles when interviewing bereaved families to arrange funeral service details and preferences.Proficient
- MindsetBalance family wishes with regulatory requirements and practical constraints during funeral planning consultations, maintaining sensitivity to cultural and religious traditions.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate logistics of funeral services including transportation, pallbearers, and religious officials within time-sensitive environments, managing multiple concurrent arrangements.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate service options and pricing structures to guide families through product and service selections while ensuring compliance with FTC Funeral Rule.Proficient
- KnowledgeOrganize administrative documentation including death certificates, permits, and service contracts ensuring accuracy and timely submission to government agencies and third parties.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for client needs and preferences when negotiating with cemeteries, clergy, and service vendors on behalf of bereaved families.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of religious, cultural, and philosophical traditions when designing personalized funeral ceremonies that honor diverse belief systems.Developing
- Hands-onPerform embalming procedures using trocars, arterial tubes, and embalming machines following safety protocols and state regulations for body preparation.Developing
- Hands-onExecute restorative cosmetic techniques using airbrushing, highlighting, and positioning equipment to prepare the deceased for viewing with attention to family expectations and natural appearance.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate operational management of funeral home resources including scheduling, staffing, inventory control, and facility maintenance under business ownership or supervisory roles.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
25,700
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $31,470 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $85,940 |
| Workers on average earn | $56,340 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
- English Language3.8/5
- Administrative3.7/5
- Administration and Management3.6/5
- Psychology3.4/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSalesforce software
Technology Skills
Belmar & Associates MortwareCorel WordPerfect Office SuiteCustom Data Systems Sterling Management SoftwareFPA Software MACCSFuneralKioskHMIS AdvantageTwin Tier Technologies MIMSWeb browser software
Tools & Equipment
Adult trocarsAir brushesAneurysm needlesAngular forcepsArm and hand positionersAxillary drain tubesBarber scissorsBistoury knives