How much does a Funeral contractor make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Funeral contractor
Image that illustrates Funeral contractor

Funeral contractor

35 000 kr

Funeral and crematory staff

34 600 - 36 400 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Socialt arbete

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Funeral contractor

Average salary 35 000 kr
Males 35 600 kr
Females 34 600 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 7 Vacant jobs ->

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

A funeral director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing funerals, as well as assisting grieving relatives during difficult times. The work includes everything from administrative tasks, such as booking ceremony venues and liaising with authorities, to practical activities like transporting coffins and urns. The profession requires great sensitivity, empathy, and the ability to handle people in mourning. The work environment varies between office settings and on-site work at funerals, crematoria, and cemeteries. There is also on-call duty and work outside regular hours.

Salary development over time

Salaries for funeral directors have increased steadily in recent years. In 2022, the average salary was 31,500 SEK per month, which increased to 33 800 SEK in 2023. During 2024, the average salary has reached 35 000 SEK per month. The total increase over the three-year period is approximately 11.1%. This trend reflects a growing demand for the profession and an increased need for specialized services in the industry. Factors influencing this development include generational shifts, higher service and education requirements, and more people choosing to hire professionals for funeral planning. Gender pay gaps persist but are relatively small.

Funeral director salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 35 000 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 34,600 SEK/month
  • Highest salary: 36,400 SEK/month
  • Hourly wage (average): 210 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Women earn 34,600 SEK (97% of men's 35,600 SEK)
  • Regional differences: Minor variations, but larger cities often have slightly higher salaries

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a funeral director typically involves completing high school education supplemented with industry-specific courses and internships. Formal requirements vary between employers, but personal suitability and the ability to handle people in crisis are highly valued. Many employers offer internal training programs and supervised internships for new hires.

  • Education: High school diploma, preferably with a focus on healthcare and caring professions (3 years)
  • Industry-specific courses: Introductory training through industry organizations
  • Internship: Internship or trainee positions are strongly recommended
  • Certification: Certification opportunities through the Swedish Funeral Directors Association
  • Personal qualities: Empathy, stress resilience, and professionalism are essential

Funeral directors often encounter many different cultures and religious traditions in their work. The ability to understand and respect these differences is crucial for assisting relatives effectively and creating a dignified farewell.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

In addition to the base salary, benefits such as overtime pay for evening and weekend work, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and sometimes training grants are often offered. Some employers also provide work clothing and support for further education within the industry.

Challenges and competition

The job market for funeral directors is relatively stable, but competition for permanent positions can be noticeable, especially in smaller towns where available jobs are limited. Larger cities offer more opportunities but also demand higher flexibility and service skills. The profession can involve periods of high workload and requires the ability to handle emotional situations professionally. Digitalization and changing customer behaviors impose new demands on adaptation and the development of work methods. The industry is also characterized by generational change and the need for new recruitment.

Tips for aspiring funeral directors

To succeed as a funeral director, it is beneficial to combine empathy with a structured approach and a calm demeanor. Being attentive and able to read people's needs is crucial when interacting with relatives. Stress resilience and the ability to work methodically under pressure are helpful during busy periods. Flexibility and taking responsibility for various tasks, from practical activities to administration, are also valuable. Discretion and respect for different cultural and religious traditions build trust with clients. For those wishing to develop further in the profession, actively seeking internships, training, and mentorship through industry organizations is recommended. Working with grieving people requires mental strength and great respect for each individual.

Key facts about funeral directors

  • Education level: High school diploma recommended; industry-specific courses common
  • Work environment: Varies between office, ceremony venues, and outdoor settings
  • Demand: 237 available jobs in 2024
  • Typical employment: Full-time, sometimes evening and weekend work
  • Gender distribution: Small salary differences; women constitute a large part of the workforce

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a funeral director can advance to leadership roles such as supervisor, office manager, or training coordinator within larger funeral homes. Some choose to specialize in international transport, legal matters related to estates, or development of ceremonies. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecasts, specific future assessments for the profession are limited due to sparse data, but the stable demand and ongoing generational change suggest good development opportunities. The number of available positions for funeral and crematorium staff was 237 in 2024, indicating a continued need for new personnel.

Frequently asked questions about funeral directors

  • What does a funeral director earn?
    - The average salary is 35 000 SEK per month, ranging between 34,600 and 36,400 SEK depending on experience and employment type.
  • What education is required to become a funeral director?
    - A high school diploma is recommended, preferably supplemented with industry-specific courses and internships.
  • Are there salary differences between women and men?
    - Yes, women earn on average 34,600 SEK and men 35,600 SEK per month, which means women earn approximately 97% of men's salaries.
  • What does the job market look like for funeral directors?
    - The job market is stable with 237 available positions in 2024, but competition is higher in smaller towns.
  • What personal qualities are important in the profession?
    - Empathy, stress resilience, attentiveness, and respect for various traditions are key qualities for success.
  • What does a typical workday involve?
    - The workday is varied and may include administrative tasks and practical work at ceremonies and transports.
  • What benefits are included?
    - Common benefits include overtime pay, wellness allowances, occupational pension, and sometimes training grants.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-10 13:10:30

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Funeral contractor 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 contractor 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
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

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

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics