Average Undertaker Salary and Pay Ranges
An undertaker, also called a funeral director or mortician, earned a median annual wage of around 59,770 dollars in the latest available data, with the lowest 10 percent earning roughly 34,000 dollars and the highest 10 percent exceeding 89,000 dollars. Pay varies by employer type, region, experience, and licensure status. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that funeral directors and morticians in the top-paying industries, such as grantmaking and civic organizations, can earn above the national median. For detailed occupational employment and wage statistics, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for Funeral Directors and Morticians Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Entry-level undertakers often start on the lower end of the scale, typically between 35,000 and 45,000 dollars annually, while those with several years of experience, additional certifications, or ownership stakes in funeral homes can reach the upper quartile. Geographic location strongly influences earnings, with metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living generally offering higher compensation. Salary data aggregated from job postings and compensation surveys shows consistent demand for licensed professionals, especially in regions with aging populations and growing end-of-life service needs.
Factors That Influence Undertaker Earnings
Licensure is a primary factor, as all states require funeral directors to complete a formal education program, pass a national board exam, and fulfill state-specific apprenticeship hours. Certified embalmers and those with additional credentials, such as the Certified Funeral Director designation, often command higher wages. Compensation also correlates with the size and type of employer, with large corporate funeral service groups, regional chains, and independently owned funeral homes offering different pay structures and benefit packages. For an overview of industry standards and employer practices, see the National Funeral Directors Association National Funeral Directors Association.
Benefits and total compensation can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and continuing education allowances. Some funeral directors receive performance-based bonuses or profit-sharing if they hold ownership interest or manage a profitable location. Work schedule flexibility and on-call responsibilities for overnight and weekend services also factor into overall pay satisfaction and job retention rates within the profession.
Top Employers and Industry Outlook for Undertakers
Major employers of licensed funeral directors include large national funeral service corporations, regional funeral home chains, and independent family-owned establishments. Companies such as Service Corporation International, the largest funeral and cemetery operator in North America, employ thousands of funeral directors across the United States and Canada. Other significant employers include Stewart Enterprises, Carriage Services, and Dignity Memorial, each operating hundreds of locations and offering structured career paths for licensed morticians. For corporate filings and financial data on major industry employers, see Service Corporation International SEC filings SEC EDGAR.
The employment outlook for funeral directors and morticians is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, driven by an aging population and the consistent need for end-of-life services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a steady increase in job openings, with additional demand arising from the retirement of experienced professionals and the expansion of funeral service companies into new markets. Candidates with formal education, state licensure, and strong interpersonal skills are well positioned to enter the field and advance into management or ownership roles within established funeral service organizations.