Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and it’s important to have a support system through this life transition. A mortician is a professional who coordinates funeral services, final disposition, and more. Though the term ‘mortician’ might sound spooky or intimidating, this is largely a caregiving profession. What is a mortician, and how does it compare to a funeral director?
Jump ahead to these sections:
- Definition of a Mortician
- What’s the Difference Between a Mortician, Funeral Director, and Embalmer?
- What Duties Do Morticians Perform?
- How Much Money Do Morticians Typically Make?
- How Do You Become a Mortician?
The job of a mortician is broader than it first appears. Anyone who’s ever navigated the funeral planning process knows how complicated this can be. From county legal documents to staying within strict budgets, it’s not always easy to help families cope with loss emotionally and practically.
Like most jobs, there’s more to mortician duties than meets the eye. What exactly does a mortician do day-to-day, and what does this professional look like? If you’re considering becoming a mortician, ensure you know exactly what’s expected and the most frequently asked questions. We’ll pull back the curtain on what it means to be a mortician today.
Definition of a Mortician
First, let's define "mortician." This is another word for a funeral director, someone who professionally handles the details of burials, cremations, and funerals. They're typically business owners, or they might work under the support of an existing funeral home. Many also do other hands-on roles, like embalming or even grief support.
Like most caretaking roles, morticians need a lot of specialized training. At the minimum, they need an associate degree and courses in mortuary science. Most states require additional licensing, ensuring everyone has the same knowledge and skills to help clients through this difficult process. When it comes to jobs dealing with death, the role of the mortician is the most comprehensive.
What’s the history of morticians?
Funeral homes are modern and easy to find, but this is far from a new profession. Since the dawn of civilization, humans have tasked people with handling the dead. The first society to support full-time morticians was the ancient Egyptians. The same was true of the ancient Romans. However, during these early days, mortuary services were only for the wealthy elite or royalty.
The most basic morticians in early societies weren’t medical professionals or religious figures. Instead, they were woodworkers and carpenters. Those who could make caskets were tasked with handling burials, but most of these burdens fell on the immediate family. Until the Civil War, the common term for morticians was ‘undertaker.’ The term slowly changed with the rise of modern funeral practices and funeral homes.
What’s the Difference Between a Mortician, Funeral Director, and Embalmer?
With that in mind, what’s the difference between a mortician and a funeral director? It’s confusing to determine what separates a mortician, funeral director, and embalmer. You might be surprised to learn that these terms all refer to the same profession. A mortician is another word for a funeral director, and many funeral directors act as embalmers.
The only clarification is that not all funeral directors perform embalmings for their funeral home. Though it’s very common, there might be another qualified professional who handles final disposition specifically for their funeral home. Nowadays, the most common term for someone who performs mortuary services is "funeral director." Though ‘mortician’ or ‘undertaker’ is technically correct, they’re not always the most positive.
One way to separate these terms is by chronological time. Mortician is an outdated term developed in past centuries to describe those who handle the dead. Embalming is a relatively new practice, and this phrase is less common today with the rise of cremation. Since most funeral directors operate funeral homes as their businesses, the proper term is usually ‘funeral director.’
What Duties Do Morticians Perform?
While not as common of a term, morticians perform the majority of duties within funeral homes. Some of these might surprise you, and many happen behind the scenes. The most successful morticians are those who balance these different duties with grace, empathy, and compassion.
- Grief support: At a very basic level, morticians help clients process their next steps after a loss while managing complex grief. As someone on the frontlines of death, morticians don’t shy away from grief and loss.
- Legal documents: One of the biggest roles of morticians today is to prepare legal documents for the deceased and their families. They secure the death certificate with the respective counties and make sure the family has the documents they need to proceed with insurance.
- Embalming: In some cases, morticians are also responsible for embalming, dressing, and preparing the deceased for viewing.
- Arranging funerals: The biggest role of morticians is to arrange funeral services for the deceased at the request of families. This includes understanding religious, cultural, and regional customs to provide a meaningful funeral, wake, or graveside service.
- Transportation: Morticians also arrange transportation of the deceased to the funeral home. In some cases, they can assist families with transporting their loved ones between states and abroad.
- Advance planning: For those who want to plan their final wishes in advance, morticians aid them through this process, budgeting, and more.
- Administrative tasks: Nearly every professional role involves some administrative tasks, and the funeral industry is no exception. This is especially true for morticians who run their funeral practice. Many operate as business owners, so they handle accounting, paperwork, expenses, and employment reports.
- Sell products: Lastly, morticians sell funeral products to families. This includes things like caskets, urns, and memorial items. Though not intended to be high-pressure, these products provide much-needed support to families in need.
How Much Money Do Morticians Typically Make?
With so many roles and duties under their belt, how much money do morticians typically make? Like all jobs, the exact pay scale depends on many different factors. Location, experience level, and whether they own their practice make the largest difference.
Amongst death-care services, morticians make more money on average. Those who run their own businesses can also expect additional bonuses and profit based on the success of their business.
However, the average annual wage in the United States for morticians is $56,360, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a mean hourly wage of $27.10, putting the position on par with other professional roles. New morticians and those with limited experience can begin their careers earning around $29,640. On the other hand, highly-skilled morticians can make upwards of $90,000 a year.
Comparing the average earnings of morticians with the overall education requirements is a very competitive industry. Additionally, many states have a mortician shortage, driving up benefits and wages. Ultimately, morticians have a lot of earning potential. This accessible, compassionate field attracts a wide range of people from all backgrounds.
How Do You Become a Mortician?
Morticians, one of the most valuable members of society, work behind the scenes to help families lay their loved ones to rest. Though not exactly the most glamorous position, this role does a world of good for communities.
However, not everyone is cut out for the funeral industry. Working with grieving families and the recently deceased can take a large toll emotionally, and there are a lot of education and experience steps along the way. Below, learn the necessary steps needed to become a mortician. While these vary by state, the following is always true.
1. Reach the age requirement
First, you need to be old enough to perform as a mortician in the United States. The legal age is 21 years old. While you can begin your education before then, you won't be able to take any exams through the American Board of Funeral Service Education until you reach the age of 21.
2. Earn an associates degree
In every state, you must have a high school diploma to pursue a mortuary science career. However, the vast majority of states require an associate's degree. You need to earn this degree from an accredited mortuary science program. The American Board of Funeral Service Education is the one who determines whether programs are qualified.
This is typically a 2-year degree, though it can be completed sooner. Many programs include helpful skills and hands-on experience. Some morticians complete a full 4-year degree, but this is up to the individual. The mortuary science degree gives you the foundational skills to work with the deceased, families, and the legal system.
3. Pass the national exam
Once you’ve earned your degree, you need to take the national exam. This is administered by the American Board of Funeral Services Education. Even though you’ll need additional certifications to work in your specific state, this national exam is needed to begin an apprenticeship in the field.
Most mortuary science programs recommend students take their national exam while they’re still in school or shortly after. Though you can always take it later, it’s encouraged to do it as soon as possible for a higher chance of success. Your program will guide you on this depending on your specific goals and timeline.
4. Land an apprenticeship
Next, once you pass your national exam, the next step is to secure an apprenticeship with a funeral home. These are usually paid, and they last around a year. Most states require a specific time as an apprentice before you can qualify for the state licensing exam.
As an apprentice, you get on-the-job training with an experienced funeral director as your guide. While working under a licensed professional, you learn how to work with families, prepare the deceased, and plan funerals.
5. Get licensed in your state
Lastly, you get your state license to operate as a mortician by taking your state board exam. This is given by your state’s board of funeral directors. No matter your role within the funeral home, you need to be licensed by the state to handle the dead. Once you’re licensed, you’re prepared to enter your career as a mortician.
Join the Field of Funeral Service
Ultimately, it takes a special type of person to become a mortician. Though the name itself might conjure up images of Halloween or scary movies, the reality is much more compassionate. If you’re drawn to the role of a mortician, it’s encouraged to read books about funerals. The more you learn about this industry, the easier it is to decide if it’s right for you.
Morticians are professionals who help loved ones through their darkest days. Though they’re business managers, they’re also on the front lines of death care. This isn’t an easy industry, but it certainly is an important one.
Source:
Mark, Joshua J. “Ancient Egyptian Mortuary Rituals.” World History Encyclopedia. WorldHistory.org.
