Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers coordinate and conduct funeral services for deceased individuals. They work in funeral homes, mortuaries, and cemeteries, handling tasks such as transporting remains, meeting with families to plan service details, arranging transportation, and coordinating with religious officials and pallbearers.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with families to discuss funeral arrangements and costs, preparing and presenting options for caskets and services, coordinating the logistics of viewings and ceremonies, and managing details like transportation, staff scheduling, and vendor coordination. Morticians may also spend time on administrative tasks, maintaining records, and ensuring all legal and religious requirements are met for each service.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy this work if you're organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing business operations while working directly with people during difficult times. You tend to prefer structured processes and clear procedures, and you're motivated by helping families navigate important decisions with professionalism and respect.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold an associate degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $76,520 | $81,530 | $93,460 | 80 |
| Utah | $51,440 | $72,800 | $88,610 | 240 |
| Illinois | $48,340 | $69,600 | $100,410 | 1,320 |
| New Jersey | $43,620 | $69,110 | $77,890 | 580 |
| Nebraska | $46,140 | $64,310 | $80,900 | 210 |
| Iowa | $54,040 | $63,700 | $78,330 | 640 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,420 | $63,580 | $77,520 | 910 |
| New York | $58,970 | $63,090 | $78,430 | 1,030 |
| Massachusetts | $47,530 | $62,120 | $82,150 | 430 |
| Indiana | $44,640 | $60,890 | $77,480 | 630 |
| Maine | $43,880 | $60,880 | $88,610 | 80 |
| Colorado | $47,080 | $60,850 | $80,670 | 320 |
All 48 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) — Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-4031.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.