Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in Iowa
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Mortuary Science
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,770 median (28% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#6 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 Iowa
With a median salary of 63,770, Funeral Directors in Iowa earn 28% above the national median of $49,800. Iowa ranks #6 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$63,770Hourly estimate
$30.6628% above national median
Difference: +$13,970
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#6 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $63,770 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $76,490 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $50,020 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $60,680 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $44,830 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $65,310 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $58,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 54 | 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. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing • Board of Mortuary Science
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152810254
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $86,990 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $74,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $94,500 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $81,790 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Iowa?
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 Iowa?
Iowa lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Iowa is 63,770. Salaries range from $49,640 (10th percentile) to $95,040 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Iowa earn 28% above the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 63,770.
How many Funeral Directors work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 560 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing / Board of Mortuary Science. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/mortuary-science.