Funeral Service Manager
Funeral Services
A program that prepares individuals for professional licensure as funeral directors and as managers of funeral homes, cemeteries, and related services.
What Funeral Service Managers Do
A program that prepares individuals for professional licensure as funeral directors and as managers of funeral homes, cemeteries, and related services.
Common Tasks
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
- 1Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
- 2Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
- 3Perform embalming duties, as necessary.
- 4Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
- 5Remove deceased remains from place of death.
What You'll Learn
Types of Funeral Service Managers
Work Environment
Locations
- • Funeral homes
- • Mortuaries
- • Cemeteries
- • Crematories
- • Family service offices and arrangement rooms
Schedule
Most work a set schedule but should expect on-call coverage, evenings/weekends, and time pressure when services and removals must be coordinated quickly.
Physical Demands
Work is moderately physical, with a mix of sitting, standing, and walking, plus frequent handling of equipment and materials. Some bending and lifting may be required during removals, transfers, and service setup.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 59,600 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
An aging population can increase the number of deaths and the need for funeral planning, coordination, and compliance work. Families may also seek more personalized services, which can raise demand for skilled directors and managers.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Meaningful work supporting families during a difficult time
- • Stable demand with steady job openings
- • Clear path to licensure and advancement into management/ownership
- • Varied duties combining counseling, logistics, and business operations
Cons
- • Emotionally demanding and exposure to grief and trauma
- • On-call responsibilities and occasional long or irregular hours
- • High responsibility for legal compliance and accuracy of documents
- • Potential exposure to biohazards and strong chemicals (in embalming settings)
Common Questions About the Funeral Service Manager Trade
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