Mortician 

Description:  The job of the Mortician has expanded in recent years, and now constitutes a vast array of tasks and responsibilities; some of which were once the job of the clergy.    They are now more intimately involved in funeral services, far beyond the job of simply organizing.  A Mortician is responsible for hiring clergy members to oversee the funeral and have taken great strides to move funerals from the churches to the actually funeral homes, where they have more clear jurisdiction.

The funeral home today is often a family business with the Mortician being the one in charge.  The Mortician is also known as the funeral director, and is often the owner of their own small business.   Funeral homes are more often than not owned by the Mortician, and the home is comprised of multiple viewing rooms and a preparation room for embalming.  A chapel will be present in the home, as is a showroom for casket selection or urn selection.   The Mortician will also own a hearse for transporting the caskets and as part of the funeral procession. 

As death becomes more institutionalized, the job of the Mortician will continue to evolve from a more family-run organization to perhaps a more accessible and civic position.  For the meantime, it is a job that requires a great deal of sensitivity, ingenuity, and keen judgment.  You’re asked to deal with a number of different social situations and circumstances that are challenging and require strength and intelligence.

Statistics:  During the past decade, the employment of Morticians increased by 12%, and it’s expected to increase by 16% in the coming decade.  Most of this increase has to do with the increase in population and the size of the elderly community.  In 2006, there were 260,000 jobs held by Morticians, and 20% of these well self employed.

Training:  Often a bachelor’s degree of science will suffice, with an added Funeral Service Education Degree from the American Board of Funeral Service Education. You will also need to pass the National Board Examination, the State Board Examination, as well as complete an internship lasting one year.

Salary:  The average mortician in 2006 earned roughly $48,000, with a more predictable range between $39,000 and $58,000 annually.