Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,680 median (22% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#12 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 Illinois
With a median salary of 60,680, Funeral Directors in Illinois earn 22% above the national median of $49,800. Illinois ranks #12 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$60,680Hourly estimate
$29.1722% above national median
Difference: +$10,880
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#12 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $60,680 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $50,020 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $63,770 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $44,830 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $60,430 | Degree required | State 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | 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. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $104,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Illinois?
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 Illinois?
Illinois lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Illinois is 60,680. Salaries range from $29,120 (10th percentile) to $101,380 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Illinois earn 22% above the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 60,680.
How many Funeral Directors work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 1,120 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement 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 Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.