Application Fee
See agencyVerified by PA Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Funeral Directors Board
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,940 median (12% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#20 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 Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 55,940, Funeral Directors in Pennsylvania earn 12% above the national median of $49,800. Pennsylvania ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.7%Average Weekly Wage
$1,364Median annual salary
$55,940Hourly estimate
$26.8912% above national median
Difference: +$6,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#20 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $55,940 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $62,590 | Degree required | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $44,010 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $80,290 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $46,080 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $50,210 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $49,360 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 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. |
| New Jersey | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | 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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Funeral Directors Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177833397
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $95,640 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $77,330 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $92,460 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $103,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Funeral Director licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Pennsylvania is 55,940. Salaries range from $35,170 (10th percentile) to $96,890 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Pennsylvania earn 12% above the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 55,940.
How many Funeral Directors work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 1,120 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Funeral Directors Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/FuneralDirectors/Pages/default.aspx.