Introduction
A mortician is someone who works in the funeral services industry, providing care and preparation of bodies for burial or cremation. They are also responsible for organizing funerals and memorial services, as well as offering emotional support to grieving families. There is an increasing demand for morticians due to the growing population and its associated death rate.
In this article, we will look at how much does a mortician make, what factors affect their salary, and what other benefits they can enjoy from being a mortician.
How Much Does a Mortician Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for morticians, undertakers, and funeral directors was $50,110 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $85,400.
The average hourly wage for morticians was $24.10 in May 2019. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $14.98 per hour, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $41.01 per hour.
Average Mortician Salary Across the US
The average salary of a mortician varies by state. The states with the highest average salaries for morticians include New Jersey ($64,140), New York ($63,820), California ($62,610), Connecticut ($61,970), and Massachusetts ($60,890).
Top Paying States for Morticians
The states with the highest average wages for morticians are Hawaii ($44.45/hour), Alaska ($43.30/hour), Washington ($42.91/hour), Massachusetts ($40.46/hour), and Connecticut ($39.41/hour).
What Factors Affect a Mortician’s Salary?
A mortician’s salary is affected by several factors, including education, experience, and location. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors:
Education and Certification
Most morticians have a degree in mortuary science, which is typically a two-year program. Some states also require morticians to be certified, so it is important to check with your state for the specific requirements.
Experience and Specializations
Morticians with more experience typically earn higher salaries than those who are just starting out. Additionally, morticians who specialize in certain areas, such as embalming or funeral directing, can often command higher salaries.
Location
As with most professions, a mortician’s salary is also affected by the location. Generally, morticians in larger cities tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller towns.
Benefits of Being a Mortician
Being a mortician can be emotionally and financially rewarding. Not only do morticians help families cope with their loss, but they also get to experience professional growth and gain skills that can help them in other areas of their life.
Professional Growth Opportunities
As a mortician, you will have the opportunity to learn new skills and gain experience in the funeral services industry. You will also have the chance to work with different types of people and gain valuable insight into the grieving process.
Emotional Satisfaction
One of the most rewarding aspects of being a mortician is the emotional satisfaction of helping families cope with their loss. As a mortician, you will be there to offer comfort and guidance during a difficult time.
How to Become a Mortician
If you are interested in becoming a mortician, there are several steps you need to take.
Education and Training
Most morticians have a degree in mortuary science, which is typically a two-year program. Additionally, some states require morticians to complete an apprenticeship or internship program before they can become licensed.
Licensing and Certification
Once you have completed your education and training, you will need to obtain a license from your state in order to practice as a mortician. Some states also require morticians to be certified in order to practice.
Career Paths
After becoming a licensed mortician, you can pursue different career paths within the funeral services industry. These may include working as a funeral director, embalmer, or cemetery manager.
Conclusion
Morticians play an important role in the funeral services industry, providing care and preparation of bodies for burial or cremation, as well as offering emotional support to grieving families. The average salary of a mortician in the US is around $50,110 per year, though this figure can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, and location. Morticians also enjoy the benefit of professional growth opportunities and emotional satisfaction from helping families cope with their loss.
To become a mortician, you need to complete a degree in mortuary science and obtain a license from your state. After becoming a licensed mortician, you can pursue different career paths within the funeral services industry.
All in all, being a mortician can be a rewarding and fulfilling profession, both financially and emotionally.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)