Also called: Mortician, Undertaker
Plans funerals and guides families through arrangements after someone dies.
Funeral directors pick up the deceased, meet families to plan services, file death certificates, coordinate with cemeteries and clergy, and run the service itself. It takes deep calm and compassion.
BLS median about $61k.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 3 years after high school. Associate or bachelor's in mortuary science from an ABFSE-accredited program, apprenticeship, and state licensing.
Ways in: 2-year college, 4-year college, Apprenticeship. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Mortuary Science.
Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Death certificates and arrangements move online, but sitting with grieving families and running services stays human.
Classes: Biology, Psychology, Public speaking, Business.
Official data: O*NET occupation 39-4031.
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