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Funeral Director Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in California, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in California

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Cemetery and Funeral Bureau • Licensing Unit

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $47,170 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of 47,170, Funeral Directors in California earn 5% below the national median of $49,800. California ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$47,170

Hourly estimate

$22.68
5% below national median

Difference: -$2,630

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,200
  • P2525th percentile$37,660
  • P50Median$47,170
  • P7575th percentile$60,360
  • P9090th percentile$76,070

State vs National Median

State: $47,170
National: $49,800

Total employment: 2,670 | Annual openings: N/A

Funeral Director Salary Ranking

#36 of 50 statesfor Funeral Director median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Delaware80,290
#2North Dakota76,720
#3Minnesota76,490
#4Nebraska65,310
#5Maine63,790

Nearby States Comparison

Funeral Director licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
California$47,170Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Oregon$48,370Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Nevada$49,740No educational requirementsBoth state and third-party exams required6-24 months
Arizona$37,970Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Department of Consumer Affairs • Cemetery and Funeral Bureau • Licensing Unit

1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S208, Sacramento, CA, 95834

Phone: 9165747870

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$105,840Varies by state board6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$96,360Varies by state board6-24 months
Civil Engineer$118,450Varies by state board6-24 months
Financial Advisor$128,650Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in California?

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 is the typical Funeral Director salary in California?

The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in California is 47,170. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $76,070 (90th percentile).

How does the Funeral Director salary in California compare to the national average?

Funeral Directors in California earn 5% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 47,170.

How many Funeral Directors work in California?

California employs approximately 2,670 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to California from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Funeral Directors in California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Cemetery and Funeral Bureau / Licensing Unit. Review agency details at https://www.cfb.ca.gov/.