Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MA Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Massachusetts
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- 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
Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing • Division of Professional Licensure
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$48,300 median (3% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#35 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 Massachusetts
With a median salary of 48,300, Funeral Directors in Massachusetts earn 3% below the national median of $49,800. Massachusetts ranks #35 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$48,300Hourly estimate
$23.223% below national median
Difference: -$1,500
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#35 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $48,300 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Hampshire | $61,000 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $52,000 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $62,590 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $54,590 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Rhode Island | $51,990 | Degree required | Third-party 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Hampshire | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Rhode Island | 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
Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing • Division of Professional Licensure
1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, MA, 02114
Phone: 6177271718
Related Careers in Massachusetts
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $101,980 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $96,580 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $104,450 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $101,320 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Massachusetts?
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 Massachusetts?
Massachusetts lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Massachusetts?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Funeral Director licensure in Massachusetts.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Massachusetts is 48,300. Salaries range from $39,080 (10th percentile) to $83,320 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Massachusetts earn 3% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 48,300.
How many Funeral Directors work in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts employs approximately 590 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?
The licensing agency is Board of Registration in Embalming and Funeral Directing / Division of Professional Licensure. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/licensee/dpl-boards/em/.