Job opportunities are expected to be good, particularly for those who also embalm. Some mortuary science graduates relocate to get a job.
Employment change. Employment of funeral directors is expected to increase by 12 percent during the 2006-16 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Projected job growth reflects growth in the death care services industry, where funeral directors are employed.
Job prospects. In addition to employment growth, the need to replace funeral directors who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons will provide a number of job opportunities. Funeral directors are older, on average, than workers in most other occupations and are expected to retire in greater numbers over the coming decade. In addition, some funeral directors leave the profession because of the long and irregular hours. Some mortuary science graduates relocate to get a job.
Funeral directors held about 29,000 jobs in 2006. About 20 percent were self-employed. Nearly all worked in the death care services industry.
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation
Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have gone through an apprenticeship program or several years of vocational training to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training, including both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.
Examples
Dental assistants, electricians, fish and game wardens, legal secretaries, personnel recruiters and recreational workers.
These occupations often involve using communication and organization skills to manage and train others.
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For a list of accredited mortuary science programs and information on the funeral service profession, write to:
- The National Funeral Directors Association, 13625 Bishop's Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005. Internet: http://www.nfda.org
For information about college programs in mortuary science, scholarships, and funeral service as a career, contact:
- The American Board of Funeral Service Education, 3432 Ashland Ave., Suite U, St. Joseph, MO 64506. Internet: http://www.abfse.org
- For information on specific State licensing requirements, contact the State's licensing board.
For more information about funeral directors and their work, see the Occupational Outlook Quarterly article, "Jobs in weddings and funerals: Working with the betrothed and the bereaved," available in many libraries and career centers and online at http://www.bls.gov/opub/ooq/2006/winter/art03.pdf.
Sources: O*Net data version 12.0
Occupational Outlook Handbook
Department of Labor
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