Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MO Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Missouri
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Missouri, 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 Missouri
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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,830 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 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 Missouri
With a median salary of 44,830, Funeral Directors in Missouri earn 10% below the national median of $49,800. Missouri ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$44,830Hourly estimate
$21.5510% below national median
Difference: -$4,970
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#41 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | $44,830 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $63,770 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $60,680 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $44,670 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $35,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Oklahoma | $51,610 | Specific course required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kansas | $46,920 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $65,310 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | 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. |
| Illinois | 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. |
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arkansas | 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
Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division Of Professional Registration • Missouri State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors
3605 Missouri Boulevard, P.O. Box 423, Jefferson City, MO, 65102-0423
Phone: 5737510813ext8007352966
Related Careers in Missouri
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $97,970 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $73,210 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $93,020 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $84,040 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Missouri?
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 Missouri?
Missouri lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Missouri?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in Missouri.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Missouri?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Missouri is 44,830. Salaries range from $29,110 (10th percentile) to $90,900 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Missouri earn 10% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 44,830.
How many Funeral Directors work in Missouri?
Missouri employs approximately 790 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Missouri 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 Missouri?
The licensing agency is Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division Of Professional Registration / Missouri State Board of Embalmers & Funeral Directors. Review agency details at http://pr.mo.gov/embalmers.asp.