Application Fee
See agencyVerified by TN Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Tennessee, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Both state and third-party exams requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Funeral Director in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course required
- Examination: Both state and third-party exams required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: Work experience required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$44,670 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#42 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 Tennessee
With a median salary of 44,670, Funeral Directors in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $49,800. Tennessee ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$44,670Hourly estimate
$21.4810% below national median
Difference: -$5,130
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#42 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $44,670 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $60,360 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $58,860 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $49,100 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $48,450 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $40,280 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $35,970 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $44,830 | Degree required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 60 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Alabama | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of Commerce and Insurance • Division of Regulatory Boards • Division of Regulatory Boards
Davy Crockett Tower 2d Floor, 500 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN, 37243-1144
Phone: 6157412378
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $85,490 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $75,500 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $97,730 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $89,390 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Funeral Directors.
What education do you need to become a Funeral Director in Tennessee?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Funeral Director licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Tennessee is 44,670. Salaries range from $30,340 (10th percentile) to $61,550 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Tennessee earn 10% below the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 44,670.
How many Funeral Directors work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 690 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Tennessee from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Funeral Directors in Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Commerce and Insurance / Division of Regulatory Boards / Division of Regulatory Boards.