Mortuary Career Statistics
- There were about 24,000 funeral directors in 2002.
- About 11% were self-employed.
- Funeral directors in larger cities typically earn more than those in small towns or rural areas.
- Mortuary science students sometimes have to relocate to find their first job.
- The American Board of Funeral Service Education is the accrediting body for about 50 mortuary science programs.
- Mortuary science is offered at community colleges (2-year programs) and colleges or universities (2- or 4-year programs).
- Continuing education programs are offered by several state and national associations. More than thirty states require funeral directors to take continuing education courses.
- Most states require mortuary science students to complete an apprenticeship, which usually lasts 1 to 3 years.
- Important qualities include tact, compassion and good communication skills.
- Funeral directors and embalmers MUST be licensed.
- Funeral directors must be very familiar with the funeral and burial customs of different cultures and religions.
