Mortician Salary Guide 2026
Morticians perform a combination of funeral directing and embalming duties. The term is often used interchangeably with funeral director in many states.
$37,116
National Average
$34,000
Entry Level
$85,000
Top Earners
The term "mortician" is often used interchangeably with "funeral director," though some states distinguish between the roles. Morticians who hold dual licenses (funeral directing and embalming) are in highest demand.
Salaries range from $34,000 for entry-level positions to $85,000+ for experienced morticians managing funeral home operations. The national average sits around $52,000 per year.
Career advancement often comes through transitioning into funeral home management or ownership, which can significantly increase earning potential.
Mortician Salary by State
| State | Average Salary | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC | $97,000 | $87,000 – $107,000 | 1 |
| Michigan | $89,149 | $18 – $140,000 | 13 |
| Pennsylvania | $85,152 | $12 – $199,665 | 16 |
| New Jersey | $83,881 | $20 – $140,000 | 4 |
| West Virginia | $81,777 | $70,703 – $92,850 | 1 |
| Kansas | $73,333 | $55,000 – $100,000 | 3 |
| South Carolina | $72,279 | $40,511 – $110,000 | 3 |
| Montana | $69,500 | $65,000 – $74,000 | 1 |
| Minnesota | $65,076 | $30 – $100,000 | 7 |
| Delaware | $62,868 | $52,727 – $73,008 | 1 |
| Nebraska | $58,852 | $48,000 – $76,530 | 2 |
| Tennessee | $56,014 | $10 – $145,000 | 16 |
| Wisconsin | $55,344 | $20 – $100,000 | 9 |
| Rhode Island | $51,262 | $22 – $130,000 | 2 |
| Nevada | $48,248 | $34 – $90,000 | 6 |
| Illinois | $46,255 | $15 – $149,500 | 17 |
| Indiana | $44,425 | $20 – $100,000 | 7 |
| Alabama | $44,213 | $25 – $93,600 | 2 |
| Colorado | $43,371 | $14 – $228,000 | 17 |
| Georgia | $42,531 | $20 – $149,500 | 12 |
| Ohio | $39,517 | $14 – $100,000 | 18 |
| Texas | $36,943 | $10 – $109,000 | 42 |
| Florida | $36,488 | $15 – $222,100 | 21 |
| New Hampshire | $34,263 | $21 – $72,000 | 2 |
| Virginia | $34,015 | $14 – $100,000 | 5 |
| California | $32,798 | $17 – $222,100 | 93 |
| Delaware | $27,500 | $25,000 – $30,000 | 1 |
| New Mexico | $27,410 | $16 – $66,000 | 4 |
| North Carolina | $25,938 | $15 – $83,269 | 5 |
| New York | $23,581 | $16 – $140,000 | 20 |
| Washington | $22,522 | $22 – $110,000 | 8 |
| Alaska | $21,554 | $24 – $115,000 | 5 |
| Maine | $21,271 | $18 – $95,000 | 4 |
| PR | $20,067 | $13 – $47,199 | 4 |
| Maryland | $19,272 | $18 – $150,000 | 10 |
| Oklahoma | $19,018 | $18 – $100,000 | 5 |
| Oregon | $16,453 | $22 – $120,000 | 7 |
| Hawaii | $12,021 | $16 – $65,000 | 5 |
| Arizona | $11,051 | $17 – $51,050 | 4 |
| Idaho | $10,667 | $18 – $48,883 | 4 |
| Missouri | $5,764 | $15 – $43,000 | 7 |
| US | $5,518 | $8 – $30,000 | 5 |
| Utah | $5,287 | $12 – $35,956 | 6 |
| Massachusetts | $29 | $18 – $44 | 11 |
| North Dakota | $26 | $19 – $35 | 2 |
| Connecticut | $23 | $19 – $27 | 2 |
| Iowa | $22 | $15 – $35 | 3 |
| Kentucky | $20 | $20 – $20 | 1 |