Average Salary for a Mortician in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Mortician has become a key factor for people choosing this meaningful career path.
"Morticians, also called funeral directors, help families during their hardest times. They prepare bodies for burial, plan funeral services, and guide grieving families through difficult decisions. This job requires special skills, training, and a caring heart."
The funeral industry has changed a lot in recent years. More people want personalized services. This has made mortician jobs more complex and valuable. Many funeral homes now offer cremation services, green burials, and digital memorials. These changes affect how much morticians earn.
The job market has shifted after recent global events. Some areas have a higher demand for funeral services. Others face staff shortages. This creates opportunities for higher pay in many places.
This blog will answer key questions about mortician salaries.
We will cover average pay rates across different states. You will learn how experience affects earnings. We will also share practical tips to boost your income. Whether you are starting out or looking to earn more, this guide has the facts you need.
Similar to other healthcare support roles like Medical Assistants and Pharmacy Technicians, mortician salaries vary widely based on location and experience. The funeral service industry also connects with related fields like Grief Counselors and Cemetery Workers, each with its own pay scales.
Average Salary for a Mortician in the USA
$55,000 per year (Average)
Based on data from multiple salary platforms and government sources, the average mortician's salary in 2025 ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually.
We calculated this average by reviewing data from major job sites, salary surveys, and industry reports. The wide range reflects differences in location, experience, and job duties.
Current salary data shows morticians earn between $40,471 and $80,437 per year across different sources. Some platforms report lower figures around $41,600, while others show higher averages near $66,284.
Compared to 2024, mortician salaries have increased by about 3-5% this year.
This growth comes from higher demand for funeral services and fewer people entering the field. Many funeral homes struggle to find qualified staff, which pushes wages up.
Salary for a Mortician Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $55,000 per year based on multiple salary surveys and industry data. This figure represents the median income across all experience levels and locations.
Salary range: Entry-level positions start around $36,548 annually, while experienced morticians can earn up to $65,875 per year. The minimum hourly rate is $12.26, and top earners make $27.64 per hour.
Salary by experience: According to government statistics and salary surveys, junior morticians with less than 3 years earn about $43,380 yearly. Mid-level professionals with 4-9 years of experience average $46,730, while senior morticians with 10+ years can expect significantly higher compensation.
75th percentile: Top 25% of morticians earn around $51,000 or more annually, with some reaching the $65,000+ range in high-demand areas.
Many salary data sources show that location plays a huge role in these numbers. Urban areas and states with aging populations tend to pay more. Like other healthcare support positions, such as Radiology Technicians, morticians' pay scales with regional cost of living and demand.
Salary for a Mortician: Regional Comparison
Geography greatly affects mortician earnings across the United States. Cost of living, local demand, and state regulations all impact pay scales. Some states have more funeral homes per person, creating competition for workers. Others face shortages that drive wages up.
Here's how salaries compare across major regions:
Washington state leads with the highest average pay, followed by New York and the District of Columbia. These areas offer the best value when compared to other funeral service jobs.
The Northeast and West Coast generally offer higher salaries. However, the cost of living in these areas is also higher. States like Virginia and Michigan provide good earning potential with lower living costs. This creates better overall value for morticians.
7 Tips to Grow Your Mortician Salary
1. Get Advanced Certifications: Professional certifications can boost your earning potential significantly. The National Board of Funeral Service Education offers specialized programs. According to industry surveys, certified funeral directors earn 15-20% more than non-certified peers. Focus on embalming, grief counseling, or business management certifications.
2. Specialize in High-Demand Services: Develop skills in growing areas like green burials, pet cremation, or digital memorial services. Many salary platforms report that specialists earn $5,000-$10,000 more annually. Cremation services are especially in demand as more families choose this option.
3. Pursue Management Roles: Funeral home managers and directors earn significantly more than staff morticians. According to multiple salary surveys, management positions pay 25-40% above average mortician wages. Consider business courses or management training programs.
4. Work in High-Paying States: Relocating to states like New York, Washington, or Virginia can increase earnings by 25-137%. Research the cost of living to ensure the move makes financial sense. Some states also have better advancement opportunities.
5. Build Your Own Funeral Home: Entrepreneurial morticians can earn much more by owning their own business. Successful funeral home owners report earnings of $100,000+ annually. This requires significant investment and business skills but offers the highest income potential.
6. Offer Additional Services: Expand beyond traditional funeral services. Many successful morticians add grief counseling, estate planning referrals, or memorial product sales. These services can add $10,000-$20,000 to annual income.
7. Continue Your Education: Higher education levels typically lead to better pay. Mortuary science degrees, business administration courses, or psychology training all add value.
Similar to other medical support roles, like Physical Therapist Assistants, ongoing education demonstrates commitment and expertise to employers.
FAQs | Mortician's Salary
What is the average salary for a mortician in 2025?
The average mortician's salary ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 annually, with a median of approximately $55,000 per year. This varies significantly based on location, experience, and job responsibilities.
Is the mortician's salary before or after taxes?
All salary figures mentioned are gross annual income before taxes. You will need to subtract federal, state, and local taxes from these amounts to determine your take-home pay.
How much do entry-level morticians earn?
Entry-level morticians with less than three years of experience typically earn around $43,380 per year. Starting salaries can be lower in rural areas and higher in major cities.
What states pay morticians the highest salaries?
Washington, New York, Virginia, and Michigan offer some of the highest mortician salaries, with some positions paying over $130,000 annually. These states also tend to have higher costs of living.
Do mortician salaries include bonuses and benefits?
Most salary figures represent base pay only. Many funeral homes offer additional benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. Some positions include performance bonuses or profit-sharing arrangements.
How does a mortician's pay compare to a funeral director's salary?
Funeral directors typically earn slightly more, with an average salary of $65,756 per year. The terms are often used interchangeably, but funeral directors may have additional management responsibilities.
What factors affect a mortician's earning potential the most?
Location has the biggest impact on salary, followed by years of experience and specializations. Working in urban areas, having advanced certifications, and offering specialized services all increase earning potential.
How much do morticians make per hour?
Morticians' hourly wages range from $12.26 to $27.64 per hour, with an average of $19.07 hourly. Higher-paid positions typically offer a salary rather than hourly compensation.
Can morticians earn six-figure salaries?
Yes, experienced morticians in high-paying states or funeral home owners can earn $100,000+ annually. Some specialized positions in states like New York and Michigan offer salaries exceeding $120,000.
What is the job outlook for morticians in 2025?
The funeral industry shows steady demand due to an aging population. However, competition exists in some markets. Those with specialized skills and certifications have the best job prospects and salary growth potential.
How long does it take to reach the top mortician salary levels?
Most morticians see significant salary growth after 4-9 years of experience. Reaching top salary levels typically requires 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, or management roles.
Do morticians get raises regularly?
Salary increases vary by employer and location. Most funeral homes provide annual cost-of-living adjustments of 2-4%. Performance-based raises and promotions offer opportunities for larger salary increases.
All pay information is current as of 2025. Data comes from several global salary surveys and government statistics, 2025.
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