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Mortician apprenticeships last 1-3 years, pay $25K-$35K/year, and require 25-100+ documented cases. See state-by-state requirements, concurrent vs sequential rules, and what the work involves.

It takes 3-5 years to become a licensed mortician: 2-year degree + 1-3 year apprenticeship + licensing exams. See exact timelines by degree type and state.

What are the requirements to become a mortician? ABFSE degree, 21+ age, state license, apprenticeship, background check, and key skills — all broken down with data.

What does a mortician do all day? A realistic look at removals, family arrangements, paperwork, embalming, services, after-hours calls, and emotional demands.

A realistic look at the emotional side of mortuary work: grief exposure, burnout, stigma, family conflict, work-life spillover, and why the work can still feel meaningful.

What is the first year as a mortician apprentice really like? Learn the daily work, skills, emotional adjustment, pay expectations, mistakes to avoid, and how to use apprenticeship well.

Before choosing mortuary school, understand the hardest parts of being a mortician: trauma cases, family conflict, low pay in some states, on-call work, burnout, and public stigma.

Not sure if mortuary school is right for you? Use these 12 questions to test fit across emotional demands, daily work, pay, licensing, schedule, and long-term career goals.

Plan your entire mortician career with 6 data-driven tools. Compare schools, calculate ROI, estimate student debt payoff, and find the best-paying states — all using real BLS and College Scorecard data.

Morticians manage full funeral services. Crematory operators run cremation equipment. Compare training, salary, licensing, and which role fits your goals.

Morticians prepare bodies and arrange funerals. Coroners investigate cause of death. Compare education, salary, authority, and career paths for these distinct roles.

Mortician and embalmer are related but different roles. Compare job duties, salary, education requirements, licensing, and career paths to decide which fits you.

Morticians arrange funerals and prepare bodies. Pathologists are physicians who diagnose disease from tissue. Compare education length, salary, daily work, and career outlook.

Answers to common mortician career questions: how much mortuary school costs, how long it takes, whether morticians embalm, license requirements, salary, and ROI.

Understand Alabama mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Alaska mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Arkansas mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand California mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Compare mortician and funeral director license requirements by state: education, NBE exams, state exams, internship or apprenticeship, renewal, and official board sources.

Understand Arizona mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Colorado mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Connecticut mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Delaware mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand District of Columbia mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Florida mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Georgia mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Idaho mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Indiana mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Iowa mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Illinois mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Hawaii mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Kansas mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Louisiana mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Kentucky mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Maine mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Maryland mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Michigan mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Missouri mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Minnesota mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Mississippi mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Massachusetts mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Montana mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Nebraska mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Nevada mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand New Hampshire mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand New Mexico mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand North Carolina mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand New Jersey mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Ohio mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Pennsylvania mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand New York mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand North Dakota mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Oklahoma mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Oregon mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Puerto Rico mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand South Carolina mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand South Dakota mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Rhode Island mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Tennessee mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Texas mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Utah mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Vermont mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Virginia mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Washington mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand West Virginia mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Wisconsin mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

Understand Wyoming mortician and funeral director licensing requirements: education, exam, apprenticeship or internship, renewal, and where to verify official state board rules.

American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

American River College in Sacramento, CA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, CO offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Arkansas State University-Newport in Newport, AR offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Brightpoint Community College in Chester, VA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, MA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, IL offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Chamberlain University-Texas in Houston, TX offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Chandler, AZ offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, OH offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College in Chicago, IL offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Columbus Technical College in Columbus, GA offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Cypress College in Cypress, CA offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, TX offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Community College of Baltimore County in Baltimore, MD offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, TX offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Delgado Community College in New Orleans, LA offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, IA offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, MS offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Eastwick College-Nutley in Nutley, NJ offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

FINE Mortuary College in Norwood, MA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Fayetteville Technical Community College in Fayetteville, NC offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Florida State College at Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Goodwin University in East Hartford, CT offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Gupton Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, GA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Ivy Tech Community College-Richmond in Richmond, IN offers a other_0 mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Jefferson State Community College in Birmingham, AL offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

John A Gupton College in Nashville, TN offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Kansas City Kansas Community College in Kansas City, KS offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology in Kirkland, WA offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Mercer County Community College in West Windsor, NJ offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, IN offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Miami Dade College in Miami, FL offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, WI offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Mt Hood Community College in Gresham, OR offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

North Shore Community College in Danvers, MA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Nassau Community College in Garden City, NY offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Northampton County Area Community College in Bethlehem, PA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant, TX offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, GA offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Northwest Mississippi Community College in Senatobia, MS offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science Inc in Pittsburgh, PA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Saint Louis Community College in Bridgeton, MO offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Salt Lake Community College in Salt Lake City, UT offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale in Carbondale, IL offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, TN offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

St Petersburg College in St. Petersburg, FL offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

SUNY College of Technology at Canton in Canton, NY offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, VA offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana in Hope, AR offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Vincennes University in Vincennes, IN offers a certificate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

University of the District of Columbia in Washington, DC offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Wayne State University in Detroit, MI offers a bachelor mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL offers a associate mortuary science path. Compare tuition, debt, earnings, completion rate, and ROI tools.

Arizona morticians earn $41,870 median (24% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 360 jobs, $36,260–$55,960 salary range, LQ 0.70 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Albany, New York morticians earn an average of $69,266 — +24% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Arkansas morticians earn $36,120 median (34% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 360 jobs, $30,540–$60,040 salary range, LQ 1.69 demand index, 2 accredited schools.

Atlanta, Georgia morticians earn an average of $54,743 — -2% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Asheville, North Carolina morticians earn an average of $57,536 — +3% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Alabama morticians earn $44,930 median (18% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 420 jobs, $30,660–$61,440 salary range, LQ 1.24 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Austin, Texas morticians earn an average of $43,012 — -23% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Baltimore, Maryland morticians earn an average of $59,770 — +7% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Buffalo, New York morticians earn an average of $50,274 — -10% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Brooklyn, New York morticians earn an average of $67,591 — +21% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Charlotte, North Carolina morticians earn an average of $45,247 — -19% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Chicago, Illinois morticians earn an average of $62,563 — +12% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Cincinnati, Ohio morticians earn an average of $51,950 — -7% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Cleveland, Ohio morticians earn an average of $59,212 — +6% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Colorado morticians earn $60,850 median (11% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 320 jobs, $38,000–$138,880 salary range, LQ 0.68 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Connecticut morticians earn $59,710 median (9% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 300 jobs, $34,010–$94,620 salary range, LQ 1.10 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Columbus, Ohio morticians earn an average of $58,094 — +4% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Denver, Colorado morticians earn an average of $44,129 — -21% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Des Moines, Iowa morticians earn an average of $45,247 — -19% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Detroit, Michigan morticians earn an average of $53,067 — -5% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Eugene, Oregon morticians earn an average of $45,247 — -19% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Dayton, Ohio morticians earn an average of $45,805 — -18% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Flint, Michigan morticians earn an average of $62,563 — +12% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Florida morticians earn $48,510 median (12% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 1,510 jobs, $30,580–$77,770 salary range, LQ 0.94 demand index, 3 accredited schools.

Fort Wayne, Indiana morticians earn an average of $67,032 — +20% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Georgia morticians earn $49,990 median (9% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 780 jobs, $35,810–$78,290 salary range, LQ 0.99 demand index, 3 accredited schools.

Hawaii morticians earn $46,310 median (16% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 150 jobs, $33,580–$53,620 salary range, LQ 1.52 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Houston, Texas morticians earn an average of $58,653 — +5% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Illinois morticians earn $69,600 median (27% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 1,320 jobs, $42,740–$104,570 salary range, LQ 1.34 demand index, 4 accredited schools.

Idaho morticians earn $60,250 median (10% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 160 jobs, $45,900–$100,230 salary range, LQ 1.15 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Indianapolis, Indiana morticians earn an average of $49,715 — -11% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Indiana morticians earn $60,890 median (11% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 630 jobs, $31,680–$96,390 salary range, LQ 1.23 demand index, 3 accredited schools.

Iowa morticians earn $63,700 median (16% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 640 jobs, $34,540–$94,950 salary range, LQ 2.54 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Jacksonville, Florida morticians earn an average of $32,399 — -42% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Kentucky morticians earn $43,320 median (21% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 470 jobs, $27,520–$61,230 salary range, LQ 1.44 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania morticians earn an average of $54,743 — -2% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Kansas morticians earn $58,580 median (6% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 230 jobs, $32,150–$79,990 salary range, LQ 0.98 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Las Vegas, Nevada morticians earn an average of $44,129 — -21% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Los Angeles, California morticians earn an average of $42,454 — -24% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Louisiana morticians earn $46,730 median (15% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 440 jobs, $27,190–$78,770 salary range, LQ 1.40 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Louisville, Kentucky morticians earn an average of $44,688 — -20% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Maine morticians earn $60,880 median (11% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 80 jobs, $34,650–$95,580 salary range, LQ 0.81 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Maryland morticians earn $58,060 median (6% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 500 jobs, $36,330–$100,330 salary range, LQ 1.13 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Media, Pennsylvania morticians earn an average of $62,563 — +12% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Massachusetts morticians earn $62,120 median (13% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 430 jobs, $46,190–$100,360 salary range, LQ 0.73 demand index, 3 accredited schools.

Michigan morticians earn $60,450 median (10% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 810 jobs, $37,440–$87,340 salary range, LQ 1.15 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Minneapolis, Minnesota morticians earn an average of $50,274 — -10% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin morticians earn an average of $48,598 — -13% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Mississippi morticians earn $48,350 median (12% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 320 jobs, $26,360–$60,570 salary range, LQ 1.71 demand index, 2 accredited schools.

Mobile, Alabama morticians earn an average of $45,805 — -18% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Missouri morticians earn $42,940 median (22% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 790 jobs, $28,600–$86,700 salary range, LQ 1.66 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Minnesota morticians earn $49,760 median (10% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 500 jobs, $37,440–$104,770 salary range, LQ 1.05 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Montana morticians earn $43,680 median (21% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 110 jobs, $35,040–$79,450 salary range, LQ 1.37 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Nashville, Tennessee morticians earn an average of $45,805 — -18% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Nebraska morticians earn $64,310 median (17% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 210 jobs, $34,890–$86,700 salary range, LQ 1.26 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

New Jersey morticians earn $69,110 median (26% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 580 jobs, $33,000–$94,810 salary range, LQ 0.84 demand index, 2 accredited schools.

New Hampshire morticians earn $57,630 median (5% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 80 jobs, $46,850–$121,720 salary range, LQ 0.73 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

New Mexico morticians earn $50,380 median (8% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 100 jobs, $37,440–$69,470 salary range, LQ 0.70 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

New York, New York morticians earn an average of $54,743 — -2% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Nevada morticians earn $43,940 median (20% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 280 jobs, $28,360–$55,710 salary range, LQ 1.12 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

New York morticians earn $63,090 median (15% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 1,030 jobs, $46,780–$94,990 salary range, LQ 0.66 demand index, 4 accredited schools.

Norfolk, Virginia morticians earn an average of $45,805 — -18% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

North Carolina morticians earn $60,730 median (10% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 1,000 jobs, $29,950–$84,920 salary range, LQ 1.25 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Oklahoma morticians earn $47,780 median (13% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 380 jobs, $26,200–$97,290 salary range, LQ 1.37 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Oregon morticians earn $48,630 median (12% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 220 jobs, $35,640–$78,000 salary range, LQ 0.68 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Omaha, Nebraska morticians earn an average of $57,536 — +3% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Ohio morticians earn $57,800 median (5% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 1,370 jobs, $29,290–$82,430 salary range, LQ 1.53 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Orlando, Florida morticians earn an average of $45,247 — -19% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

North Dakota morticians earn $59,760 median (9% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 110 jobs, $44,700–$94,250 salary range, LQ 1.55 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Pennsylvania morticians earn $63,580 median (16% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 910 jobs, $46,570–$92,830 salary range, LQ 0.93 demand index, 2 accredited schools.

Pensacola, Florida morticians earn an average of $56,977 — +2% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania morticians earn an average of $57,536 — +3% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Phoenix, Arizona morticians earn an average of $52,508 — -6% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania morticians earn an average of $64,798 — +16% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Portland, Oregon morticians earn an average of $29,606 — -47% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Rhode Island morticians earn $55,420 median (1% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 40 jobs, $54,360–$139,100 salary range, LQ 0.51 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Puerto Rico morticians earn $25,630 median (53% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 70 jobs, $21,840–$33,800 salary range, LQ 0.47 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Rochester, New York morticians earn an average of $51,950 — -7% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Raleigh, North Carolina morticians earn an average of $40,219 — -28% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Sacramento, California morticians earn an average of $41,895 — -25% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Richmond, Virginia morticians earn an average of $45,805 — -18% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Salt Lake City, Utah morticians earn an average of $46,364 — -17% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

San Antonio, Texas morticians earn an average of $40,219 — -28% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Seattle, Washington morticians earn an average of $64,239 — +15% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

South Carolina morticians earn $40,020 median (27% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 400 jobs, $29,510–$83,650 salary range, LQ 1.07 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

South Dakota morticians earn $47,840 median (13% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 200 jobs, $43,780–$78,940 salary range, LQ 2.72 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Tacoma, Washington morticians earn an average of $40,778 — -27% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Tampa, Florida morticians earn an average of $49,157 — -12% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

St. Louis, Missouri morticians earn an average of $43,571 — -22% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Tennessee morticians earn $46,180 median (16% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 550 jobs, $33,600–$68,990 salary range, LQ 1.04 demand index, 2 accredited schools.

Terre Haute, Indiana morticians earn an average of $39,102 — -30% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Texas morticians earn $46,630 median (15% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 1,500 jobs, $24,120–$62,070 salary range, LQ 0.66 demand index, 4 accredited schools.

Utah morticians earn $72,800 median (32% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 240 jobs, $43,960–$100,980 salary range, LQ 0.86 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Virginia Beach, Virginia morticians earn an average of $45,805 — -18% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Vermont morticians earn $48,740 median (11% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 40 jobs, $45,490–$81,880 salary range, LQ 0.74 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Washington morticians earn $59,700 median (9% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 400 jobs, $45,290–$77,470 salary range, LQ 0.71 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

West Palm Beach, Florida morticians earn an average of $50,833 — -9% below the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

West Virginia morticians earn $47,960 median (13% below national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 180 jobs, $31,340–$59,970 salary range, LQ 1.59 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

Wisconsin morticians earn $58,250 median (6% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 580 jobs, $38,170–$92,220 salary range, LQ 1.23 demand index, 1 accredited schools.

Wyoming morticians earn $55,570 median (1% above national avg). Full BLS May 2025 data: 40 jobs, $33,970–$90,320 salary range, LQ 0.78 demand index, 0 accredited schools.

York, Pennsylvania morticians earn an average of $59,770 — +7% above the national average of $55,860. Compare city salary, state BLS data, schools, and career tools.

Is mortician a good career? BLS median is $49,800 with 3% job growth. We break down education costs, salary trajectory, emotional demands, and the honest financial case for and against.

Learn how to become a mortician: 2-year degree, 1-3 year apprenticeship, state licensing exam. Full career path, education requirements, and key skills from BLS and O*NET data.

Mortician employment is projected to grow 3% through 2034, with ~5,800 annual openings. BLS data on job stability, demand drivers, and where the most opportunities are.

Morticians earn $49,800 median vs funeral directors/managers at $76,830 — a 54% gap. Learn the real differences in role, salary, and career path between these two titles.

Most morticians never negotiate. Here's how to use BLS percentile data, state benchmarks, and skill premiums to negotiate a higher starting salary or raise — with specific scripts.

70.6% of morticians are women, yet a gender pay gap persists. BLS and CPS data on female mortician salaries, the 91-cent gap in personal care occupations, and what drives pay differences.

Funeral home managers earn $76,830 median vs $49,800 for morticians — a $27,030 gap. BLS 2024 data on what drives the difference, career path, and which role pays more at every percentile.

California leads with 2,670 mortician jobs, but Ohio offers more per capita and better pay. Full BLS 2024 rankings by job count, density, and salary for all 50 states.

California morticians earn $50,750 median — 8% below the national average. BLS May 2025 data on 2,240 jobs, P10-P90 range, demand, and career outlook.

Mortician salaries range from $35,970 in Arkansas to $80,290 in Delaware. See the complete BLS 2024 salary data for all 50 states, with median, mean, and percentile breakdowns.

Delaware morticians earn $81,530 median — 48% above the national average. BLS May 2025 data on 80 jobs, P10-P90 range, demand, and career outlook.

California's $47,170 median buys less than Iowa's $63,770. BLS 2024 data adjusted for MERIC cost of living index — the definitive ranking of which states actually pay morticians best.

Entry-level morticians earn $39,667. Late-career earns $61,045 — a 54% increase. PayScale and BLS data on how experience, management track, and employer type drive pay growth.

The average mortician salary is $49,800 (BLS 2024). But Glassdoor says $80K and Indeed says $66K — we explain why, with full data from 6 sources and all 50 states.

Salary.com data shows creativity commands +18% for morticians. Dual licensure adds $3K–$8K. Preneed sales can add $500–$20K. The complete breakdown of which skills actually pay more.