Occupation AtlasMorticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
O*NET · 39-4031.00
Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers
Perform various tasks to arrange and direct individual funeral services, such as coordinating transportation of body to mortuary, interviewing family or other authorized person to arrange details, selecting pallbearers, aiding with the selection of officials for religious rites, and providing transportation for mourners.
Also called Arranger · Cemetery Manager · Certified Mortician · Embalmer · Funeral Arrangement Director · Funeral Arranger · Funeral Counselor · Funeral Director
12 more
Funeral Family Service Assistant · Funeral Location Manager · Funeral Planner · Funeral Planning Counselor · Funeral Prearrangement Counselor · Funeral Prearrangement Specialist · Hospital Mortician · Licensed Embalmer · Licensed Funeral Director · Licensed Mortician · Mortician · Undertaker
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed
Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CESConventional · Enterprising · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional4.67
- E Enterprising4.66
- S Social4.41
- R Realistic3.55
- A Artistic1.75
- I Investigative1.40
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (56%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (34%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (26%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- WritingbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- NegotiationImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- PersuasionImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- InstructingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Systems AnalysisImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Identify the reasons why a client might be unhappy with a product
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- SciencebasicImportance 1.8Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Technology DesignImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.4
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
22 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.Importance 4.8
- Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.Importance 4.8
- Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.Importance 4.8
- Perform embalming duties, as necessary.Importance 4.8
- Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.Importance 4.7
- Remove deceased remains from place of death.Importance 4.7
- Plan, schedule, or coordinate funerals, burials, or cremations, arranging details such as floral delivery or the time and place of services.Importance 4.6
- Provide information on funeral service options, products, or merchandise, and maintain a casket display area.Importance 4.5
- Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.Importance 4.5
- Close caskets and lead funeral corteges to churches or burial sites.Importance 4.5
- Direct preparations and shipment of bodies for out-of-state burial.Importance 4.3
- Discuss and negotiate prearranged funerals with clients.Importance 4.2
Show the other 10
- Maintain financial records, order merchandise, or prepare accounts.Importance 4.2
- Arrange for clergy members to perform needed services.Importance 4.1
- Provide or arrange transportation between sites for the remains, mourners, pallbearers, clergy, or flowers.Importance 4.1
- Plan placement of caskets at funeral sites or place or adjust lights, fixtures, or floral displays.Importance 4.1
- Clean funeral home facilities and grounds.Importance 3.9
- Inform survivors of benefits for which they may be eligible.Importance 3.8
- Arrange for pallbearers or inform pallbearers or honorary groups of their duties.Importance 3.8
- Manage funeral home operations, including the hiring, training, or supervision of embalmers, funeral attendants, or other staff.Importance 3.8
- Receive or usher people to their seats for services.Importance 3.7
- Participate in community activities for funeral home promotion or other purposes.Importance 3.7
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.7Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Respond to a citizen's request for assistance after a major disaster
- English LanguageImportance 3.8Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- PsychologyImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 3.2Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
- BiologyImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Investigate the effects of pollution on marine plants and animals
Show all 33
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Sales and MarketingImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- TransportationImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
- MathematicsImportance 2.8Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Economics and AccountingImportance 2.7Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- ChemistryImportance 2.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.9Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- GeographyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- DesignImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.7Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
- PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- MechanicalImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.3Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.3Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
- Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.6
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Control PrecisionImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Manual DexterityImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Time SharingImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- VisualizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Finger DexterityImportance 2.6Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Number FacilityImportance 2.6Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Static StrengthImportance 2.6Level 2.8
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- StaminaImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Peripheral VisionImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Response OrientationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Rate ControlImportance 1.9Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.9Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- Night VisionImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.8Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.1Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.7Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Getting InformationImportance 4.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.5Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.4Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.4Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
Show all 41
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 4.1Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 4.1Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.9Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Processing InformationImportance 3.8Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.7Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.7Level 2.6
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Working with ComputersImportance 3.7Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 3.6Level 2.7
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.4Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 3.3Level 2.6
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.9Level 2.8
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.9
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 2.0Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
16 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (5)
- Microsoft Accesshot
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
Hot (2; 5 more marked hot above)
- Microsoft Word
- Salesforce software
Other tools (9)
- Belmar & Associates Mortware
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Custom Data Systems Sterling Management Software
- FPA Software MACCS
- FuneralKiosk
- HMIS Advantage
- iCIMS Talent Cloud software
- Twin Tier Technologies MIMS
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Travel Guides
Average difference 0.2 points · Science −0.8, Operations Monitoring −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Funeral Home Managers
Average difference 0.2 points · Operations Analysis −1.0, Operations Monitoring −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Recreation Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Instructing +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Residential Advisors
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −0.8, Mathematics −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Dietetic Technicians
Average difference 0.3 points · Social Perceptiveness −1.0, Active Listening −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.1, Operations Monitoring −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Average difference 0.3 points · Critical Thinking +0.8, Management of Personnel Resources +0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses
Average difference 0.3 points · Management of Financial Resources −1.0, Monitoring +0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.