Alis – Career, learning and employment information for Albertans

Share

This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta
ALIS
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Guest Account Sign In Sign Up
Add this page to a custom guide
Funeral Director: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you naturally take charge of situations? Do you have empathy for people who are going through difficult times? Are you detail-oriented and able to manage a fast pace? Then you may qualify for a career as a funeral director.
Create a New Guide
Give your guide a nickname
Only you can see this nickname.
or cancel
Please complete the recaptcha and try again.
Choose a guide...

There was an error. Please try again.

This page is already listed in your guide. Please choose a different page to add.

Create New Guide What is an alis guide?
OCC info
Occupations in Alberta

Funeral Director

Funeral directors take charge of caring for the remains of people who have died. They help families plan funeral services, and coordinate and manage arrangements for services.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Mortician, Undertaker

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 6272.1: Funeral Directors

2006 NOC-S

  • G912: Funeral Directors and Embalmers

2011 NOC

  • 6346: Funeral directors and embalmers

2016 NOC

  • 6346: Funeral directors and embalmers

2021 NOC

  • 62201: Funeral directors and embalmers

2023 OaSIS

  • 62201.01: Funeral directors
Duties
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Funeral directors manage the work of bringing the deceased to the funeral home and arrange for cremation or burial. They guide the deceased’s family or executor to explore options and preferences for final death care (that is, burial or cremation). They arrange ceremonies to recognize the life of the deceased at the funeral.

Funeral directors spend most their time dealing with families and handling legal paperwork. When working with families, they:

  • Help with immediate legal, social, and emotional concerns
  • Arrange commemoration services that fit with the social or religious practices of those involved
  • Arrange the time and place of funerals, memorial services, or celebrations of life
  • Get in touch with religious leaders or provide resource contacts for clients
  • Work with the executor / family to make cemetery arrangements, as required

They provide information about funeral service options. They also maintain a display area for products and merchandise.

When arranging commemoration services, funeral directors juggle many moving pieces. They:

  • Transport the deceased to the funeral home
  • Fill urns, keepsake vessels, and jewelry remembrances with final cremated remains
  • Contact the cemetery
  • Arrange transfer services for the deceased, mourners, pallbearers, or religious leaders
  • Oversee the progress of the funeral service

Funeral direction is a highly regulated profession. Funeral directors must be able to work effectively within the guidelines of legislation regarding disposition of human remains. They:

  • Provide legal documents and filings to help the executor move into the process of settling the deceased’s estate
  • Prepare funeral service contracts that follow directions provided by the deceased and their survivors
  • File death certificates
  • Obtain burial permits
  • Prepare and file obituary notices

Many funeral directors are licensed embalmers as well.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift over 20 kg

Funeral directors often work long, irregular hours. This may include many evenings, weekends, and holidays. They work on-call since many funeral homes have 24-hour phone lines with a funeral director expected to be available day or night.

They work indoors and outdoors regardless of weather conditions.

Funeral directors may participate in transferring human remains into care. This requires heavy lifting and use of stretchers. They should be able to lift at least 34 kg.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
S
Social
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Funeral directors
2023 OaSIS: 62201.01

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Social

    Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Funeral directors
2023 OaSIS: 62201.01

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Funeral directors need:

  • Ethics and professionalism
  • Tact
  • Maturity
  • Emotional stability
  • Compassion and sensitivity to the needs of clients
  • Public-speaking skills
  • Organizational and time-management skills
  • Conflict-resolution skills
  • Technological skills to provide digital services (e.g. virtual meetings or livestreaming of services)
  • Business skills
  • A willingness to serve others

 They should enjoy:

  • Supervising people
  • Coordinating information
  • Consulting with families
  • Having clear rules and organized methods to guide their activities
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Minimum Education 1 year post-secondary

Funeral directors need to complete an educational program approved by the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board to qualify for a funeral director’s licence. Programs that combine funeral director and embalmer training are also available.

Funeral directors also must:

  • Have a non-graduated Class 5 driver’s license
  • Be bondable
  • Pass a police background and criminal record check

Those considering this occupation should discuss their education options with practicing funeral directors before enrolling in a program.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Canadian College of Funeral Service
Mount Royal University

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Certification Provincially regulated

Many funeral homes prefer to hire individuals who have dual licensing as a funeral director and an embalmer.

Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.

The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.

Funeral Service Occupations

Funeral service occupations include all those involved in providing final care for people who have died, such as funeral directors, embalmers, business managers, and pre-need salespersons. Business managers manage funeral service businesses. Pre-need salespersons draw up and sign pre-need funeral service contracts on behalf of the business.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Funeral Services Act [pdf] and General Regulation [pdf], funeral directors, embalmers, business managers, and pre-need salespersons must be licensed through the Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB).

You do not need a licence to work as a funeral attendant if you are under the supervision of a licensed embalmer or funeral director.

For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Funeral Service Occupations.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Funeral directors work in funeral homes located throughout the province. They may need to relocate to a smaller rural community to complete work experience or apprenticeship requirements.

Funeral directors may use their business skills to transfer into related occupations such as cemetery manager or funeral celebrant. They may also work for funeral supply companies or teach.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Funeral directors and embalmers
2016 NOC: 6346

98.9% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Funeral directors and embalmers
2021 NOC: 62201
Warm
Job Market
< 1500
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Funeral directors and embalmers
2016 NOC: 6346
2.8%
Annual Growth
(Above average)
3
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Funeral directors’ earnings vary depending on the location and ownership of the funeral home.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Funeral directors and embalmers

2021 NOC: 62201
Average Wage
$34.60
Per Hour
Average Salary
$71,442.00
Per Year
Average Hours
39.7
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 62201 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $19.23 $22.50 $21.16 $21.00
Overall $24.04 $44.04 $34.60 $36.06
Top $25.00 $63.23 $44.36 $43.27

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related)
ALL INDUSTRIES $71,442
Other Services (Repair, Personal Services and Related) $71,442

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
53%
53%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
87%
87%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
22%
22%
Vacancy Rate
5%
Related High School Subjects
  • Science
    • Biology
    • Chemistry
  • Business, Administration, Finance and IT
    • Management and Marketing
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Alberta Funeral Service Association (AFSA) website: www.afsa.ca

Alberta Funeral Services Regulatory Board (AFSRB) website: afsrb.ab.ca

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

Expand All
Was this page useful?
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆