Unveiling the Earnings Potential: A Deep Dive into Mortuary Cosmetologist Salaries
For those who blend artistic skill with a deep sense of compassion, a career as a mortuary cosmetologist—also known as a desairologist—offers a uniquely rewarding path. This specialized field plays a crucial role in helping families find peace and closure during a difficult time. But beyond the profound personal satisfaction, what is the financial reality of this profession?
This article provides a data-driven look at the salary of a mortuary cosmetologist, exploring the factors that influence earnings and the future outlook for this essential career. While salaries can vary significantly, most professionals in this field can expect to earn a competitive wage, typically ranging from $40,000 to over $70,000 per year, depending on a blend of experience, location, and licensure.
What Does a Mortuary Cosmetologist Do?
A mortuary cosmetologist is a licensed cosmetologist and/or embalmer who specializes in preparing the deceased for their final viewing. Their work goes far beyond simple makeup application. The core responsibility is to create a peaceful and natural appearance, restoring a recognizable likeness that provides comfort to grieving friends and family.
Key duties include:
- Restorative Art: Using specialized techniques with wax, cosmetics, and other materials to conceal the effects of illness, trauma, or the post-mortem process.
- Cosmetic Application: Applying makeup, from foundation to subtle color, to recreate a natural and lifelike skin tone.
- Hairstyling: Washing, cutting, coloring, and styling hair according to family wishes or based on recent photographs.
- Manicuring: Cleaning and grooming the hands and nails.
This role requires a unique combination of technical skill, artistic talent, and profound empathy to honor the memory of the deceased and support the bereaved.
Average Mortuary Cosmetologist Salary
Determining a precise salary for a "mortuary cosmetologist" can be complex, as government data often groups this role within broader categories. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track mortuary cosmetologists specifically but provides data for the closely related and often overlapping profession of Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers.
According to the most recent BLS data from May 2023, the median annual wage for this category was $57,940. This means half of the workers in the profession earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,850, while the top 10 percent earned more than $91,950.
Data from reputable salary aggregators provide a more focused look:
- Salary.com reports that the average salary for a Mortician in the United States falls between $51,682 and $67,705, with the median being around $59,201 as of late 2023.
- Payscale notes that an Embalmer (a role that often includes cosmetology duties) has an average salary of approximately $48,500 per year, with a typical range of $35,000 to $69,000.
- Glassdoor estimates a total pay range of $47,000 to $74,000 per year for Morticians, based on user-submitted data.
Synthesizing this data, a realistic salary range for a professional performing mortuary cosmetology is $45,000 to $65,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting closer to $40,000 and highly experienced, dually-licensed professionals in high-cost areas earning $75,000 or more.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your earning potential is not static. Several key factors can significantly impact your salary as a mortuary cosmetologist.
Level of Education
This is one of the most significant factors. There are two primary educational paths:
1. Cosmetology License Only: Professionals who are solely licensed cosmetologists may be hired by funeral homes on a contract or part-time basis. Their earnings will typically be on the lower end of the scale.
2. Mortuary Science Degree & Licensure: Professionals who have earned an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science and hold a state license as an Embalmer and/or Funeral Director are far more versatile to an employer. Because they can legally perform embalming in addition to cosmetic and restorative work, their value and salary potential are significantly higher. Most full-time, well-paying positions require this dual skillset.
Years of Experience
As with any profession, experience pays. The skill and confidence gained over time, especially in complex restorative art cases, make a seasoned professional more valuable.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): Professionals can expect to earn at the lower end of the spectrum as they build their skills and reputation.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): With a proven track record, these professionals command salaries closer to or above the national median.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Top earners often have extensive experience, may hold management positions (like Head Preparer or Funeral Home Manager), and are sought after for their advanced restorative art skills.
Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Salaries are often adjusted to meet the local cost of living and market demand. According to BLS data, the top-paying states for morticians and funeral service workers include:
- Minnesota
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
- New York
Working in a major metropolitan area will almost always yield a higher salary than working in a rural community, though the cost of living will also be substantially higher.
Company Type
The structure of your employer influences your compensation package.
- Corporate Funeral Homes: Large, national corporations (like Service Corporation International) often offer more structured salary bands, comprehensive benefits packages (health insurance, 401k), and clear paths for advancement.
- Family-Owned Funeral Homes: Independent, family-owned businesses may offer more salary flexibility but can have more variability in benefits. The salary may be heavily dependent on the business's annual volume and revenue. High-volume funeral homes in busy urban centers can often pay more than smaller, low-volume rural homes.
Area of Specialization
Within the field, specialization can unlock higher earnings. A professional who is only skilled in basic cosmetology will earn less than someone who is also a licensed embalmer. The highest salaries are often reserved for those who become true specialists in restorative art. These experts are called upon for the most challenging cases, such as victims of accidents or violent crime, where extensive reconstruction is needed. This advanced, highly technical skillset is rare and commands a premium salary.
Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers will grow by 1 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is slower than the average for all occupations.
While this growth rate seems low, it doesn't tell the whole story. The need for funeral services is constant and stable. The profession will see a sustained demand due to the aging of the large baby-boomer population. Furthermore, while cremation rates are rising, many families still opt for a viewing and memorial service beforehand, preserving the need for skilled embalmers and mortuary cosmetologists. This ensures a steady need for qualified and compassionate professionals to fill positions as current workers retire.
Conclusion
A career in mortuary cosmetology is a calling that requires a unique blend of artistry, science, and empathy. While the emotional rewards are significant, the financial compensation is also solid and dependable.
Key Takeaways:
- Typical Salary: Expect a salary range between $45,000 and $65,000, with opportunities for higher earnings.
- Maximize Your Earnings: The clearest path to a higher salary is to obtain a degree in Mortuary Science and become a licensed embalmer, not just a cosmetologist.
- Experience & Specialization Matter: Gaining experience, particularly in advanced restorative art, will significantly boost your value and income potential.
- Stable Demand: Despite slower-than-average growth projections, the profession is incredibly stable, ensuring consistent demand for skilled professionals for decades to come.
For those drawn to this work, the career offers a chance to build a financially stable life while providing an invaluable service to families in their greatest time of need.