When most people think about funeral directors and morticians, they likely don’t know the difference between them. There are many similarities between the two professions, but there are also some key differences.
This article will explore the similarities and differences between funeral directors and morticians to help entrepreneurs understand what each profession entails.
Differences Between Funeral Directors and Morticians
Both funeral directors and morticians must…
- Have a degree from an accredited mortuary school
- Be licensed by the state in which they work
- Typically work in funeral homes
- Embalm and prepare bodies for funerals
- Help families plan funerals
However, there are also some key differences between funeral directors and morticians, including:
- Funeral directors typically interact more with the public than morticians do; funeral directors may be responsible for meeting with families to discuss funeral arrangements, whereas morticians typically work behind the scenes.
- Morticians typically have more opportunities for advancement than funeral directors; for example, a mortician may eventually become a funeral home manager, whereas a funeral director’s career may plateau.
- Morticians typically have more opportunities to work independently than funeral directors; for example, a mortician may eventually start their own funeral home, whereas a funeral director is more likely to work for an existing funeral home.
Let’s explore each profession in more detail.
What Is a Funeral Director?
A funeral director is someone who helps families plan funerals. In most cases, funeral directors are responsible for meeting with families to discuss funeral arrangements, coordinating with funeral homes and cemeteries, and ensuring that the funeral service goes smoothly. Funeral directors may also be responsible for embalming and preparing bodies for funerals.
Educational Requirements
To become a funeral director, you must have a degree from an accredited mortuary school. In addition, you must be licensed by the state where you work.
Salary
The median salary for funeral directors is $54,000 per year.
What Is a Mortician?
A mortician is someone who prepares bodies for funerals. In most cases, morticians are responsible for embalming and preparing bodies for funerals. They may also be responsible for coordinating with funeral homes and cemeteries, ensuring that the funeral service goes smoothly.
Educational Requirements
To become a mortician, you must have a degree from an accredited mortuary school. In addition, you must be licensed by the state where you work.
Salary
The median salary for morticians is $50,000 annually, with additional income possible from bonuses, commissions, and profit sharing.
Mortician or Funeral Director?
So, which should you be – a funeral director or a mortician? If you’re interested in working more with the public and helping families plan funerals, then funeral directing may be the right path for you. If you’re interested in working more behind the scenes and preparing bodies for funerals, then mortuary science may be the right path for you.
It’s also important to know this information when you plan to staff your funeral home business. If your funeral home will have both funeral directors and morticians on staff, you’ll need to factor in the salary differences between the two professions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are both similarities and differences between funeral directors and morticians. If you’re interested in working with the public and helping families plan funerals, then funeral directing may be the right path for you. Meanwhile, if you’re interested in working more behind the scenes and preparing bodies for funerals, then mortuary science may be the right path for you.