Merciful Mortician
Tales from the crypt of Glenda 's dream job
Stimulating Statistics
- Over 2.5 million people die in the US each year
- The National Funeral Services Association estimated that on average, 45.1% of the dead are cremated and 48.9% are traditionally buried*
- 86% for funeral homes are family run while the other 14% are headed by publicly traded companies
*This data is from 2013, 2014 data could only be accessed by NFSA members
Dark Duties
- Arrange transportation of the deceased
- Prepare the body
- Submit paperwork and legal documents
- Consult with the deceased’s family
- Help plan funerals
- Train junior staff
- Discuss and plan funerals with people who wish to arrange their own service in advance
Corpse Clearance
- Traditional Burial > most common in the US
- Natural Burial > eco-friendly, yet controversial
- Cremation > increased usage
- Alkaline Hydrolysis > eco-friendly, yet barely legal*
*Alkaline Hydrolysis is only legal in Oregan, Minniesota, Colorado, Kansas, Illinois, Maryland, Maine, Rhode Island, Delaware and Florida
The Desolate Dig
- Be academically and emotionally prepared
- Be 21 years old
- Complete 2 years in an American Board of Funeral Services Education mortuary science program
- Serve an apprenticeship for 1 - 3 years
- Pass a qualifying exam
50% of people that complete the program quit after <5 years of practice
(National Funeral Services Association)
Occupation's Outlook
- 18% growth between 2010 - 2020 (fast as average)
- Median Salary: $54,330
- Prospects more favorable for those who embalm and are willing to relocate
