How Much Does A Funeral Director Earn?

Learn what UK funeral directors earn, qualifications needed, job responsibilities, pros and cons, career paths, and top funeral employers.

How Much Does a Funeral Director Earn? Salary, Career & Training Guide

Funeral directors manage all aspects of funerals, from liaising with grieving families to organising the ceremony, paperwork, and legal requirements. It’s a role that requires emotional intelligence, organisation, and professionalism—offering meaningful work and a stable career.

This guide covers how much funeral directors earn in the UK, what the role involves, qualifications required, benefits, drawbacks, and the best companies to work for in the funeral sector.

Job Description: What Does a Funeral Director Do?

A funeral director (sometimes called an undertaker) coordinates the entire funeral process—logistically, emotionally and legally.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Meeting with families to discuss funeral wishes

  • Arranging viewings, cremation, or burial services

  • Handling legal paperwork (death certificates, permits)

  • Liaising with clergy, venues, florists and registrars

  • Organising transport (hearse, limousines)

  • Overseeing embalming or preparation of the deceased

  • Supporting families with grief and aftercare

  • Managing a team including funeral operatives, pallbearers, and admin staff

Some also manage mortuary facilities or offer pre-paid funeral planning services.

How Hard Is It to Become a Funeral Director?

It’s not academically difficult, but it is emotionally and socially demanding. You must be compassionate, composed, and able to manage logistics in high-stress environments. Most funeral directors begin as assistants and gain experience over several years.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Empathy and compassion, especially in grief support

  • Emotional resilience

  • Discretion and professionalism

  • Attention to detail and strong organisation

  • Calm demeanour, even in challenging or sensitive situations

  • Strong interpersonal skills – dealing with families, officials, clergy

  • Respect for traditions, religions, and cultures

Do You Need Qualifications?

No formal qualifications are legally required, but employers value:

Qualifications and Training:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Arranging and Administration (NAFD or BIFD)

  • Level 4 Diploma in Funeral Service (FD qualification)

  • Certificate in Embalming (if you want to offer body preparation)

  • Health and Safety training

  • First Aid or Manual Handling (recommended for removals)

Training typically takes 1–2 years depending on experience and study pace. Many learn on the job while studying part-time.

Career Levels and Specialisations

Funeral Service Operative - Entry-level, supports funeral logistics

Funeral Arranger / Administrator - Manages bookings and family contact

Funeral Director - Oversees the full funeral process

Senior Funeral Director - Leads branch, multiple staff and funerals

Branch Manager / Area Manager - Manages multiple branches

Embalmer / Mortuary Technician - Body preparation specialist

Pre-paid Funeral Advisor - Specialises in sales and planning

What Experience Do You Need?

  • None to start as a funeral service operative or driver

  • Experience in customer service, healthcare, or logistics helps

  • Training under an experienced director is common

  • Larger firms offer apprenticeships or internal promotions

  • You’ll need a clean driving licence and may work unsociable hours

Benefits of Being a Funeral Director

  • Highly meaningful and respected work

  • Stable industry, even in economic downturns

  • Structured training and progression

  • Opportunity to support people at difficult times

  • Strong interpersonal impact – not just logistics

  • Potential to run or own your own funeral home

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Emotionally draining – constant exposure to grief and loss

  • On-call work – evenings, weekends, holidays

  • Physically demanding – lifting, long days on feet

  • Social pressure to always be calm and composed

  • High attention to protocol and cultural sensitivity

  • Long hours during peak times

Funeral Director Salary in the UK

Funeral Service Operative - £18,000 – £23,000

Funeral Arranger - £22,000 – £26,000

Funeral Director - £27,000 – £38,000

Senior / Area Manager - £40,000 – £60,000

Self-employed / Business Owner - £60,000 – £100,000+

Tax Example (Director earning £35,000):

  • Income Tax: ~£4,432

  • National Insurance: ~£3,149

  • Take-home pay: ~£27,400/year or £527/week

Self-employed funeral directors can deduct business costs like vehicles, PPE, advertising, staff wages, and mortuary equipment.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Experience and qualifications (NAFD/BIFD certified earn more)

  • Location – urban and high-income areas pay better

  • Shift availability and out-of-hours call rates

  • Employer type – independent vs national chain

  • Ownership – running your own funeral business increases income

  • Pre-paid plan sales / commissions

What’s the Future for Funeral Directors?

Funeral services are evolving:

Trends:

  • Growth in direct cremations (cheaper, no-service options)

  • Increased interest in eco-friendly funerals

  • Rise in personalised and themed funerals

  • More multicultural services and interfaith knowledge required

  • Digital memorials and livestreams

  • More women entering the profession

  • Online reviews and reputation management are key

The core role of emotional support and professional care remains timeless—even as format and preferences shift.

Best Funeral Companies to Work For in the UK

Dignity Funerals - National chain, good training routes

Co-op Funeralcare - Largest UK provider, clear career ladder

Funeral Partners - National network of local brands

Central England Co-op - Strong benefits and ethical reputation

Independent family firms - Often offer more personal roles and flexibility

Leverton & Sons - Historic and respected London-based firm

Memoria / Pure Cremation - Leaders in direct cremation services

Golden Charter - Pre-paid funeral plan sales and support

Final Thought

Funeral directing is a meaningful, steady career that suits compassionate, organised people who can stay composed and supportive under pressure. While emotionally demanding, it offers purpose, progression, and strong job security. Whether you work for a large group or run your own firm, it’s a profession that truly matters.