For many people who lose a loved one, viewing the body is an important part of the funeral service and an opportunity to say goodbye. It is the mortuary cosmetologist's job to ensure that the deceased looks the way friends and family expect at this viewing. This job requires respect for the deceased, compassion for those left behind and an excellent command of cosmetology skills. In return, mortuary cosmetologists earn an average of $34,400 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pay Factors

In May 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average hourly wage for mortuary cosmetologists was $20.00. Although experienced cosmetologists are sometimes called upon to work in mortuaries, most funeral homes hire an in-house mortician to prepare the deceased for viewing.

Because mortuary cosmetology sometimes requires sewing, injections to replace lost muscle tone and makeup that disguises signs of illness, those with a degree in mortuary science are more likely to find employment in this field and make more money than those with just a cosmetology license.

Mortuary cosmetologists who work in large metropolitan areas generally make more than those working in remote areas with few people.