There is a lot to be said about the benefits of pursuing a career in the funeral home business. It is a very rewarding industry with a good deal of job security. Let's face it, there will always be a demand for funeral home careers simply because people will continue to die and require these services. Prospects for funeral jobs are excellent, as the funeral industry is expected to expand within the next several years as the baby boomer generation moves into retirement. In addition, as older funeral directors and embalmers begin retiring, it will further the need for additional staffing.
There is a lot of room for advancement and promotion within the funeral home industry. Individuals may be promoted into management, perhaps even handling an entire branch of funeral homes. Opening their own funeral home is another option.
Funeral Directors
Funeral directors, also called morticians and undertakers, arrange the details and handle the logistics of funerals, taking into account the wishes of the deceased and family members. Together with the family, funeral directors establish the location, dates and times of wakes, memorial services and burials. They arrange for a hearse to carry the body to the funeral home or mortuary.
Funeral directors are also involved in the following duties:
- prepare obituary notices and have them placed in newspapers
- arrange for pallbearers and clergy
- schedule the opening and closing of a grave with a representative of the cemetery
- decorate and prepare the sites of all services
- provide transportation for the deceased, mourners, and flowers between sites
- direct preparation and shipment of bodies for out-of-state burials
Most funeral directors are also trained, licensed and practicing embalmers. The funeral director usually handles any matters related to counseling the family regarding funeral arrangements. The position of funeral director also frequently handles insurance-related matters, record keeping and expenses. This is why it is important for funeral directors to be familiar with the management of the financial aspect of the business as well.
Embalmers
Embalmers, and funeral directors who serve as embalmers, often perform the following duties:
- wash, shave, remove blood from, apply embalming fluid to, use wax or plastic to shape, put makeup on and dress and arrange dead bodies
- act as pallbearers
- assist during funeral services
- prepare bodies for autopsies
- assist with autopsies
- deal with bodily remains
- file police reports
Embalmers may be involved in the cremation process as well. An individual who has been trained in embalming and cremation handles the actual physical preparation of the body according to the wishes of the family or the deceased.
Typical Working Conditions of a Funeral Home Career
The positions of funeral director and embalmer generally involve irregular hours. Individuals in these positions are usually "on call" to respond to deaths when they occur. There may also be some travel involved, if they are needed to pick up a body at an out-of-town location or travel with the body to an out-of-town burial site.
Cosmetic and Restorative Arts of a Funeral Home Career
Most funeral homes employ individuals specifically to handle the making up of the bodies in order to provide a natural appearance. This process typically involves applying cosmetics, arranging hair and dressing the body.
Expected Salary Ranges for Funeral Staff
In general, the salary ranges tend to be quite good in the funeral home industry. The pay varies quite significantly, however, as it depends on both the individual's experience and the location they are employed. Metropolitan areas typically offer greater wages and opportunities. To provide a general idea, the current average of the expected wage of a funeral director is between $36,495 and $49,745 yearly.
The Overall Benefits of a Funeral Home Career
The benefits of a career in the funeral home industry are endless and should not be underestimated. Besides the job stability, job satisfaction and excellent pay and benefits, it offers the personal satisfaction of helping individuals in their greatest time of need. Every position in this industry requires genuine compassion, sympathy and understanding of the grief those who have lost a loved one undergo. Being there for someone at a time like this is invaluable to both the affected individuals and you. For these reasons and more, there is no greater reward than being a part of the funeral home business.
Sources:
"Baby boomer deaths could fuel funeral industry." USA Today (accessed November 15, 2010).
Bureau of Labor Statistics (accessed November 15, 2010).
"Embalmer Job Description," eHow (accessed November 15, 2010).
"Salary snapshot for funeral director jobs," PayScale (accessed November 15, 2010).
Jennifer Romero - Jennifer enjoys running, studying the Bible and freelance writing. She is in the process of writing her first novel. She attends writing ...
