South Carolina employs 400 morticians as of BLS May 2025, with a median salary of $40,020 — 27% below the national median of $55,010.
Quick Facts
- Median salary: $40,020 (27% below national avg of $55,010)
- Mean salary: $50,420
- Salary range: $29,510 (P10) to $83,650 (P90)
- Employment: 400 jobs | Location Quotient: 1.07 — above average demand
- Avg burial cost: $8,224 | Avg cremation: $5,987
- Cremation rate: 47% — 53% of families choose traditional burial
South Carolina Mortician Salary: Full Breakdown
| Percentile | South Carolina | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| P10 (Entry) | $29,510 | $33,350 | $-3,840 |
| P25 | $32,980 | $42,430 | $-9,450 |
| Median (P50) | $40,020 | $55,010 | $-14,990 |
| Mean | $50,420 | $58,160 | $-7,740 |
| P75 | $62,730 | $72,010 | $-9,280 |
| P90 (Top) | $83,650 | $88,620 | $-4,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
The gap between P10 ($29,510) and P90 ($83,650) is $54,140, showing a tighter salary range compared to the national spread.
Job Demand & Employment
The Location Quotient (LQ) is 1.07 — above average demand. This means South Carolina has a higher concentration of mortician jobs per capita than the average state — a positive signal for job seekers.
With 400 employed morticians, South Carolina ranks as a smaller market, though job stability in funeral service tends to be high regardless of state size.
Funeral Industry Market
The cremation rate is 47%, meaning about half of families still choose traditional services — a balanced market.
The average cost of a burial funeral in South Carolina is $8,224, while the average cremation service costs $5,987. Service costs here are below the national average, which may correlate with lower salary levels.
Education & Schools
South Carolina has 1 ABFSE-accredited program. Limited local options mean some students may look out of state for better tuition or fit.
Use the School Finder to compare all 58 ABFSE-accredited programs by tuition, debt, and outcomes.
Is South Carolina a Good State for Morticians?
South Carolina has strong demand but lower pay. The LQ of 1.07 indicates healthy job density, but the $40,020 median trails the national average.
Compare With Neighboring States
- Mortician Salary in North Carolina — $60,730 median
- Mortician Salary in Georgia — $49,990 median
States With Similar Salary Levels
- Missouri — $42,940
- Arizona — $41,870
- Arkansas — $36,120
- Puerto Rico — $25,630
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do morticians make in South Carolina?
Morticians in South Carolina earn a median salary of $40,020 according to BLS May 2025 data. The typical salary range runs from $29,510 at the 10th percentile to $83,650 at the 90th percentile.
Is South Carolina a good state for morticians?
South Carolina has healthy job concentration, but pay is below the national median, so it may be better for job availability than earnings.
Are there mortuary schools in South Carolina?
South Carolina has 1 ABFSE-accredited mortuary science program in the dataset. Use the School Finder to compare tuition, debt, completion rates, and earnings outcomes.
Plan Your Career in South Carolina
- South Carolina Salary Calculator — see the full percentile breakdown prefilled for South Carolina
- Career ROI Calculator — calculate your return on investment working in South Carolina
- Best States Ranker — see where South Carolina ranks on salary, demand, and opportunity
- Market Opportunity Map — visualize demand and opportunity nationwide
- All State Salary Guides — compare all 49 states