They are also responsible for the success and the profitability of their business. Funeral directors should provide efficient and appropriate services that give comfort to their customers. Most funeral directors are required to be 21 years old, have a high school diploma, complete some college training in mortuary science and serve an apprenticeship. Funeral directors must be licensed in all but one state, Colorado. Employment of funeral directors and embalmers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005 because the number of graduates in mortuary science is likely to continue to be less than the number of job openings in the field.
Salaries depend on the size of the establishment and the number of services performed.
The job of funeral director requires tact, discretion and compassion. Others who need these qualifications include members of the clergy, social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and other health care professionals.