Application Fee
See agencyVerified by AR Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Arkansas
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Arkansas, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in Arkansas
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Specific type of conviction prohibited
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Arkansas Department of Commerce • State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemetaries, and Burial Services
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$35,970 median (28% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#50 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Arkansas
With a median salary of 35,970, Funeral Directors in Arkansas earn 28% below the national median of $49,800. Arkansas ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$35,970Hourly estimate
$17.2928% below national median
Difference: -$13,830
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#50 of 50 statesfor Funeral Director median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Delaware | 80,290 |
| #2 | North Dakota | 76,720 |
| #3 | Minnesota | 76,490 |
| #4 | Nebraska | 65,310 |
| #5 | Maine | 63,790 |
Nearby States Comparison
Funeral Director licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $35,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $44,830 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $44,670 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $40,280 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Louisiana | $38,890 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Texas | $36,760 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $51,610 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Mississippi | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Louisiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Texas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Arkansas Department of Commerce • State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemetaries, and Burial Services
1 Commerce Way, Suite 502, Little Rock, AR, 72202
Phone: 5016820574
Related Careers in Arkansas
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $84,310 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $64,180 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $81,930 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $75,150 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Arkansas?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Funeral Directors in Arkansas?
Arkansas lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Arkansas?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in Arkansas.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Arkansas?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Arkansas is 35,970. Salaries range from $29,080 (10th percentile) to $55,530 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Arkansas earn 28% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 35,970.
How many Funeral Directors work in Arkansas?
Arkansas employs approximately 340 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Arkansas from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Funeral Directors in Arkansas?
The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Commerce / State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemetaries, and Burial Services. Review agency details at https://insurance.arkansas.gov/pages/industry-regulation/pre-paid-funeral/embalmers-funeral-directors-burial-association/.