As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Funeral Director/Embalmer in the United States is $41,539 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Funeral Director/Embalmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Funeral Director/Embalmer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Funeral Director/Embalmer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Funeral Director/Embalmer | $39,899 |
| Intermediate Level Funeral Director/Embalmer | $40,199 |
| Senior Level Funeral Director/Embalmer | $41,539 |
| Specialist Level Funeral Director/Embalmer | $42,817 |
| Expert Level Funeral Director/Embalmer | $43,136 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Funeral Director/Embalmers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 10.34% |
| Container | 6.9% |
| Forensics | 3.45% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Photography
|
$67,708 |
63%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$47,770 |
15%
|
|
Forensics
|
$47,770 |
15%
|
|
Pathology
|
$47,354 |
14%
|
|
Coordination
|
$45,277 |
9%
|
|
Container
|
$45,277 |
9%
|
For Funeral Director/Embalmer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Funeral Director/Embalmer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Funeral Director/Embalmer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $49,847 | $24.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Funeral Director/Embalmers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Funeral Director/Embalmer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,239 and $43,490).
Funeral Director/Embalmer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 48.7% |
| High School | 48.7% |
| Associates | 20.5% |
| Bachelors | 25.6% |
| Masters | 2.6% |
| Doctorate | 2.6% |
Understanding how a Funeral Director/Embalmer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Funeral Director/Embalmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $42,294 in 2023 to around $42,718 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Funeral Director/Embalmer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $42,294 |
| 2024 | $43,791 |
| 2025 | $42,718 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Funeral Director/Embalmer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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