Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Business
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 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in California
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Consumer Affairs • Cemetery and Funeral Bureau • Licensing Unit
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$47,170 median (5% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#36 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Funeral Director licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Cemetery and Funeral Bureau~Licensing Unit and monitor board communications.
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 Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$47,170Hourly estimate
$22.685% below national median
Difference: -$2,630
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#36 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,170 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Oregon | $48,370 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $49,740 | No educational requirements | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $37,970 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Consumer Affairs • Cemetery and Funeral Bureau • Licensing Unit
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S208, Sacramento, CA, 95834
Phone: 9165747870
Related Careers in California
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $105,840 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $62,240 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,360 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $118,450 | Varies by state board | 1-17 years |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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/.
How often do you renew a Funeral Director license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.