Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 12,500 people employed as funeral home managers in the United States. The median annual salary is $74,200. Entry level employees earn approximately $42,990 per year and senior employees earn approximately $156,940 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Negotiate contracts for prearranged funeral services.
• Respond to customer complaints, legal inquiries, payment negotiations, or other post-service matters.
• Plan and implement changes to service offerings to meet community needs or increase funeral home revenues.
• Direct or monitor administrative, support, repair, or maintenance services for funeral homes.
• Schedule work hours for funeral home or contract employees.
• Set marketing, sales, or other financial goals for funeral service establishments and monitor progress toward these goals.
• Explain goals, policies, or procedures to staff members.
• Complete and maintain records, such as state-required documents, tracking documents, or product inventories.
• Evaluate the performance of vendors, contract employees, or other service providers to ensure quality and cost-efficiency.
• Set prices or credit terms for funeral products or services.
• Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to identify opportunities for cost reductions or service improvements.
• Identify skill development needs for funeral home staff.
• Attend or make presentations at community events to promote funeral home services or build community relationships.
• Plan and implement sales promotions or other marketing strategies and activities for funeral home operations.
• Interview and hire new employees.
• Direct and supervise work of embalmers, funeral attendants, death certificate clerks, cosmetologists, or other staff.
• Schedule funerals, burials, or cremations.
• Sell funeral services, products, or merchandise to clients.
• Monitor funeral service operations to ensure that they comply with applicable policies, regulations, and laws.
• Offer counsel and comfort to families and friends of the deceased.
• Conduct market research and analyze industry trends.
• Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.

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