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 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in New York
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State-approved exam
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
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 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 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 6-24 months.
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 | 6-24 months |
| Vermont | $52,000 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Massachusetts | $48,300 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Connecticut | $54,590 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $44,010 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Pennsylvania | $55,940 | No educational requirements | No 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 60 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| New Jersey | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be 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
NYS Department of Health • Division of Hospital Diagnostic and Treatment Centers
875 Central Avenue, Albany, NY, 12206
Phone: 5184020783
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $98,580 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $101,780 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $102,440 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $167,970 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in New York?
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 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. 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 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/.