Morticians, or funeral directors, plan funerals, embalm bodies and perform cremations. Although the career of a mortician can sometimes be emotionally draining, it also offers many benefits. Contrary to the stereotype, morticians have numerous opportunities for social interaction and often provide emotional support to the bereaved. Many morticians find this aspect of the job rewarding and enjoy providing comfort in difficult situations. If you are considering a career as a mortician, it is important to familiarize yourself with the advantages the job has to offer.

Low Educational Requirements

In California, you need a license to become a funeral home director. Applicants must be 18 years or older. Have at least an Associate degree. Pass a background check. However, in the United Kingdom there are no legal formal training requirements to becom a funeral director. The relatively low barrier to entry makes funeral home director an appealing option for individuals who want to get started on their careers as soon as possible.

If you also want to embalm or cremate bodies, most states require at least two years of education and one year of on-the-job training. A three-year curriculum is significantly less than is required for many other careers with the same earning potential.

Comfortable Pay Grade

According to the United States Department of Labor, the median wage for a mortician is approximately $54,000. This is higher than the national median income, making it a comfortable wage.

Well established morticians can make up to $91,000.

The earning potential for morticians is quite high compared to similar fields requiring the same level of education and job commitment.

Good Job Prospects

Everybody dies -- a sad reality of life, but it keeps morticians in business. Regardless of where they live or the state of the economy, there is a good chance that a mortician will make a livable wage.

Additionally, the career is not competitive, making it easier to establish and run a successful business. Thus, pursuing a career in funeral directing is a good way to establish job security.

Self-Employment

Although there are some morticians who work under a boss, the majority own and operate their own business. As such, they have greater flexibility in choosing their hours, location and rate of pay. Many individuals prefer this independance, particularly if they have unusual family or personal obligations.