West Virginia employs 180 morticians as of BLS May 2025, with a median salary of $47,960 — 13% below the national median of $55,010.
Quick Facts
- Median salary: $47,960 (13% below national avg of $55,010)
- Mean salary: $50,310
- Salary range: $31,340 (P10) to $59,970 (P90)
- Employment: 180 jobs | Location Quotient: 1.59 — significantly above average demand
- Avg burial cost: $8,074 | Avg cremation: $5,878
- Cremation rate: 46% — 54% of families choose traditional burial
West Virginia Mortician Salary: Full Breakdown
| Percentile | West Virginia | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| P10 (Entry) | $31,340 | $33,350 | $-2,010 |
| P25 | $37,080 | $42,430 | $-5,350 |
| Median (P50) | $47,960 | $55,010 | $-7,050 |
| Mean | $50,310 | $58,160 | $-7,850 |
| P75 | $58,020 | $72,010 | $-13,990 |
| P90 (Top) | $59,970 | $88,620 | $-28,650 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
The gap between P10 ($31,340) and P90 ($59,970) is $28,630, showing a tighter salary range compared to the national spread.
Job Demand & Employment
The Location Quotient (LQ) is 1.59 — significantly above average demand. This means West Virginia has a higher concentration of mortician jobs per capita than the average state — a positive signal for job seekers.
With 180 employed morticians, West Virginia 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 46%, meaning about half of families still choose traditional services — a balanced market.
The average cost of a burial funeral in West Virginia is $8,074, while the average cremation service costs $5,878. Service costs here are below the national average, which may correlate with lower salary levels.
Education & Schools
There are no ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs in West Virginia. Students must attend school in another state and return to complete state-specific licensing requirements.
Use the School Finder to compare all 58 ABFSE-accredited programs by tuition, debt, and outcomes.
Is West Virginia a Good State for Morticians?
West Virginia has strong demand but lower pay. The LQ of 1.59 indicates healthy job density, but the $47,960 median trails the national average.
Compare With Neighboring States
- Mortician Salary in Ohio — $57,800 median
- Mortician Salary in Pennsylvania — $63,580 median
- Mortician Salary in Maryland — $58,060 median
- Mortician Salary in Kentucky — $43,320 median
States With Similar Salary Levels
- Florida — $48,510
- Mississippi — $48,350
- South Dakota — $47,840
- Oklahoma — $47,780
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do morticians make in West Virginia?
Morticians in West Virginia earn a median salary of $47,960 according to BLS May 2025 data. The typical salary range runs from $31,340 at the 10th percentile to $59,970 at the 90th percentile.
Is West Virginia a good state for morticians?
West Virginia 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia has no ABFSE-accredited mortuary science programs in the dataset, so students usually need to compare out-of-state options. Use the School Finder to compare tuition, debt, completion rates, and earnings outcomes.
Plan Your Career in West Virginia
- West Virginia Salary Calculator — see the full percentile breakdown prefilled for West Virginia
- Career ROI Calculator — calculate your return on investment working in West Virginia
- Best States Ranker — see where West Virginia ranks on salary, demand, and opportunity
- Market Opportunity Map — visualize demand and opportunity nationwide
- All State Salary Guides — compare all 49 states