Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Business
Funeral Director Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for funeral director in Virginia, 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 Virginia
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Specific course 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
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,360 median (21% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 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 Virginia
With a median salary of 60,360, Funeral Directors in Virginia earn 21% above the national median of $49,800. Virginia ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$60,360Hourly estimate
$29.0221% above national median
Difference: +$10,560
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFuneral Director Salary Ranking
#14 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $60,360 | 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 |
| Kentucky | $45,640 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Tennessee | $44,670 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $58,860 | Specific course required | Both state and third-party exams 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 60 | Medium | 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. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 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. |
- 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
Department of Health Professions • Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043674479
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $97,140 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $84,190 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $96,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $99,990 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Funeral Director in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia 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 Virginia?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Funeral Director licensure in Virginia.
What is the typical Funeral Director salary in Virginia?
The median annual salary for Funeral Directors in Virginia is 60,360. Salaries range from $43,180 (10th percentile) to $106,910 (90th percentile).
How does the Funeral Director salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Funeral Directors in Virginia earn 21% above the national median of $49,800, with a state median of 60,360.
How many Funeral Directors work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 490 Funeral Directors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Funeral Director license to Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Health Professions / Virginia Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. Review agency details at https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/funeral/.