Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Fayetteville Technical Community College
serving 8,814 students in Fayetteville, NC.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $44,521/yr, roughly in line with the $42,964 national median for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 110.6x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 20% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Funeral Service and Mortuary Science career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $44,521 far exceeding the $17,482 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Fayetteville Technical Community College ranks #4 among 28 Funeral Service and Mortuary Science programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.
A 26% earnings increase from $44,521 to $56,114 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science has a registered apprenticeship option through Embalmer (Per Ser) with a median wage of $56,280/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Funeral Service and Mortuary Science graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funeral home managers | $76,830 | +4.1% | 57% |
| Embalmers | $56,280 | +1.3% | 96% |
| Morticians, undertakers, and funeral arrangers | $49,800 | +3.1% | 84% |
About Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Careers
Your career often begins with an apprenticeship, where you learn the funeral service business from the ground up. You’ll assist with everything from setting up for services to the technical, hands-on work of embalming, using specialized tools and chemicals for preservation and restorative art. Once licensed, you’ll work as a Funeral Director or Mortician, guiding families through difficult decisions, coordinating services with cemeteries and clergy, and managing all the necessary legal paperwork. This deeply personal work of caring for the deceased and their families is a craft that cannot be automated or done from a distance.
Read the full Funeral Service and Mortuary Science career guide →
Compare & Explore
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science Overview
Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Other Schools
Other Majors at Fayetteville Technical Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.