Image that illustrates Funeral director

Funeral director

35 000 kr

Funeral and crematory staff

34 600 - 36 400 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

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What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Funeral director

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 34 600 kr

What does a funeral home director do? – Tasks and work environment

A funeral home director manages the operations at a funeral home and is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing funerals according to the wishes of the relatives and applicable legislation. Tasks include administration, staff management, advising relatives, contact with authorities, and practical arrangements for ceremonies and burials. The role requires the ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism. The work environment is often calm but can be emotionally demanding, as meetings with grieving families and unexpected events are common.

Salary development over time

Over the past three years, the salary development for funeral home directors has been clearly positive. In 2022, the average salary was 31,500 SEK per month. The following year, 2023, the average salary increased to 33 800, which represents an increase of about 7.3%. Between 2023 and 2024, the trend continued with an increase to 35 000, corresponding to an additional 3.6%. The total salary increase over the period is thus over 11%. This development can be linked to a growing need for qualified personnel, increased demands on service and competence in the industry, and a general salary adjustment within the profession.

Funeral home director salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month (female, unspecified education)
  • Highest salary: 36,400 SEK/month (female, secondary education, private sector employee)
  • Hourly wage: 210 SEK
  • Gender differences: Women earn 34,600 SEK, men 35,600 SEK (women 97% of men's salary)
  • Regional differences: Not specified

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a funeral home director often goes via secondary education and supplementary courses in industry-specific subjects. Formal requirements vary between employers, but experience from service roles and administrative positions is common. Industry organizations offer certifications and internship programs that increase employability and prepare for management responsibilities.

  • Formal education: Secondary school diploma, often with specialization in administration or service (3 years)
  • Industry training: Courses and certifications via the Swedish Funeral Directors Association
  • Internship: Trainee or internship periods at a funeral home
  • Experience requirements: Previous work in service, administration, or leadership
  • Additional knowledge: Law, ethics, and crisis management

Many funeral home directors testify that the profession involves deeply meaningful work where each day offers the opportunity to make a difference for people in mourning. The ability to create calm and security in difficult moments is often what is most appreciated by both relatives and colleagues.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

Funeral home directors are often offered collective agreement benefits such as occupational pension, extra vacation days, and wellness contributions. Some employers also provide training support, work clothing, and the possibility of flexible working hours. Compensation for inconvenient working hours may be provided for on-call or weekend work.

Challenges and competition

The competition for positions as a funeral home director is moderate, but the industry places high demands on personal suitability, integrity, and the ability to handle sensitive situations. One of the biggest challenges is balancing administrative responsibilities with empathetic interactions with relatives. Additionally, the role requires good knowledge of laws and regulations related to funerals, which can be complex. The industry's move towards more digital solutions also requires adaptability and technical understanding.

Tips for those who want to become a funeral home director

To succeed as a funeral home director, it is good to be attentive and able to meet people in mourning with respect and empathy. Attention to detail is important, as administration and legal processes require precision. Being flexible and stress-resistant facilitates handling unexpected situations and varying workloads. Good communication skills help build trust with relatives and colleagues, while leadership skills are necessary to steer the business forward. Continuously updating your knowledge of laws and industry standards provides security in the role, and an interest in development and improvements is appreciated by employers.

Key facts about funeral home directors

  • Education level: Secondary school diploma with supplementary industry training
  • Work environment: Often calm but emotionally demanding
  • Gender salary difference: Women earn 97% of men's salaries
  • Typical employment form: Permanent employment at private or church-affiliated agencies
  • Demand: 237 available jobs within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a funeral home director can advance to regional manager, start their own agency, or take on greater responsibilities within a corporation. Development opportunities also exist within training, consulting, and specialization in law or ceremonial management. According to the Employment Service's forecasts, no separate assessment is made for funeral home directors, but the profession is considered to have stable demand, with 237 available jobs registered in the past year. However, the industry is affected by demographic changes and digitalization, which may influence future skill requirements and tasks.

Frequently asked questions about funeral home directors

  • What does a funeral home director earn?
    - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, but it can vary depending on experience and employer.
  • How does one become a funeral home director?
    - The common path is secondary education, followed by internships and industry-specific courses.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 34,600 SEK, men 35,600 SEK – which corresponds to 97% of men's salaries.
  • What personal qualities are required?
    - Empathy, stress tolerance, attention to detail, and good communication are important qualities.
  • What are the future prospects?
    - Demand is stable with 237 available jobs, but exact forecasts are lacking according to the Employment Service.
  • Is certification necessary?
    - Certification through industry organizations is recommended but not always required.
  • What does a funeral home director do in their daily work?
    - Leads operations, handles administration, meets with relatives, and coordinates funerals.

Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Funeral director is 36400 kr. This salary belongs to a woman working in the Privately employed officials with a high school education, 3 years. The highest salary for a man in this profession is 35600 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Funeral director is 34600 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Multiple sectors. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 35600 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
35-44 36200 kr 36900 kr
45-54 33600 kr 34400 kr
55-64 35400 kr 36400 kr
Snitt 97% 34100 kr 35000 kr
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Funeral director has the SSYK code 5161, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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