Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in Montana
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Board of Funeral Service
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,140 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 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 Montana
With a median salary of 49,140, Funeral Directors in Montana earn 1% below the national median of $49,800. Montana ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$49,140Hourly estimate
$23.631% below national median
Difference: -$660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $49,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Dakota | $76,720 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $58,990 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wyoming | $49,840 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Idaho | $61,270 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Dakota | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Idaho | 54 | 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 Funeral Service
301 South Park, 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT, 59620-0513
Phone: 4068412331
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $82,670 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $74,400 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $80,390 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $96,670 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Montana?
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 Montana?
Montana lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Montana?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in Montana.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Montana is 49,140. Salaries range from $35,360 (10th percentile) to $77,420 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Montana compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Montana earn 1% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 49,140.
How many Funeral Directors work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 130 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Montana 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 Montana?
The licensing agency is Board of Funeral Service. Review agency details at http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/fnr.