Funeral Service and Mortuary Science: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Funeral service and mortuary science prepares individuals for professional roles in the death care industry through comprehensive training in both practical and academic disciplines. This program equips students with the technical expertise, ethical standards, and compassionate service skills essential for supporting grieving families and managing end-of-life care with dignity and precision.
- Embalming techniques: Master the scientific and procedural aspects of preserving human remains, including anatomy, chemical processes, and post-mortem care.
- Death investigation and identification: Develop knowledge of legal and medical protocols involved in determining cause of death and identifying deceased individuals.
- Restorative art and cosmetic application: Learn advanced methods for facial reconstruction, wound treatment, and aesthetic presentation to honor the deceased.
- Mortuary law and ethics: Study state and federal regulations, professional conduct standards, and ethical decision-making in the funeral service profession.
- Funeral service operations and management: Gain insight into business practices, client relations, event planning, and administrative functions within a funeral home.
- Death education and grief counseling: Explore psychological and sociological aspects of death, mourning, and support systems to better assist families during difficult transitions.
- Preparation and presentation of the deceased: Practice hands-on procedures for dressing, positioning, and preparing the body for viewing or memorial services.
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Funeral Service and Mortuary Science degrees, including Funeral Home Managers, Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers and Crematory Operators. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 41,770 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral Home Managers 11-9171 | $76,830 | $45,820 - $132,470 | 13,120 | $36.94 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers 39-4031 | $49,800 | $31,470 - $85,940 | 25,700 | $23.94 |
| Crematory Operators 39-4012 | $42,880 | $31,970 - $60,260 | 2,950 | $20.62 |
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,130 in Arizona to $90,125 in Connecticut—a 109% difference. The highest-paying states include Connecticut, Minnesota, and Delaware. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 41,770 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science is found at Antilles School of Technical Careers (27 graduates), and North Central State College (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 28 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antilles School of Technical Careers |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
27 | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Private | antillespr.edu |
| North Central State College |
Associate's
|
1 | Mansfield, Ohio | Public | ncstatecollege.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs
How much can I earn with a Funeral Service and Mortuary Science degree?
Salaries for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates vary by role and location. Funeral Home Managers earn a median of $76,830 annually, while Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers earn around $49,800. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Connecticut average $90,125 compared to $43,130 in Arizona. Approximately 41,770 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Funeral Service and Mortuary Science degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Antilles School of Technical Careers (27 graduates), North Central State College (1 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 17 in 2010 to a peak of 53 in 2020, before declining slightly to 28 in 2023-24. This represents a 65% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Funeral Service and Mortuary Science degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Funeral Home Managers, Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers, and Crematory Operators. Related occupations employ approximately 41,770 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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