Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Department of Health • Division of Hospital Diagnostic and Treatment Centers
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$62,590 median (26% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#7 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Funeral Director licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to NYS Department of Health~Division of Hospital Diagnostic and Treatment Centers and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $62,590, Funeral Directors in New York earn 26% above the national median of $49,800. New York ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$62,590Hourly estimate
$30.0926% above national median
Difference: +$12,790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#7 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $62,590 | Degree required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $52,000 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $48,300 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $54,590 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $44,010 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $55,940 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Vermont | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Massachusetts | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Department of Health • Division of Hospital Diagnostic and Treatment Centers
875 Central Avenue, Albany, NY, 12206
Phone: 5184020783
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|---|---|---|---|
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| Audio and Video Technicians | $63,640 | Degree required | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in New York?
The board typically expects Degree required for Funeral Director licensure in New York.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in New York?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in New York is $62,590. Salaries range from $38,960 (10th percentile) to $98,740 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in New York compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in New York earn 26% above the national median of $49,800, with a state median of $62,590.
How many Funeral Directors work in New York?
New York employs approximately 1,390 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Funeral Directors in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Department of Health / Division of Hospital Diagnostic and Treatment Centers. Review agency details at https://www.health.ny.gov/.
How often do you renew a Funeral Director license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.