Army 92M Mortuary Affairs Specialist to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (2024-2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

92M Mortuary Affairs Specialists transitioning out—you possess rare and specialized skills in one of society's most essential yet often overlooked professions. Your remains handling and processing expertise, dignified transfer operations, mortuary operations experience, personal effects management, documentation and accountability, grief support interaction, cultural sensitivity with death rituals, and proven composure in emotionally demanding situations make you uniquely qualified for civilian funeral services, mortuary science, and death care management careers. Realistic first-year salaries range from $40,000-$55,000 as funeral attendant, apprentice embalmer, or mortuary assistant, scaling to $60,000-$75,000 as licensed funeral director or embalmer with 3-5 years experience. Funeral home managers and senior funeral directors at established operations earn $75,000-$95,000+, with top earners in high-cost areas reaching $110,000-$130,000+. Your military experience handling the most dignified mission translates directly to civilian death care careers.

Every 92M separating knows civilians don't understand what you did. "Mortuary affairs" sounds clinical and distant. They don't know you provided dignified care for fallen service members, ensured families received their loved ones with respect and completeness, managed personal effects with meticulous attention, coordinated with medical examiners and families, maintained accountability in the most emotionally difficult circumstances, and upheld the highest standards when it mattered most.

Here's what you actually did as a 92M:

Processed and prepared deceased remains following military protocols and regulatory requirements
Conducted dignified transfers maintaining respect and military honors throughout handling
Managed personal effects inventory, documentation, and chain of custody ensuring families received complete belongings
Coordinated with medical examiners, commanders, chaplains, and casualty assistance officers
Prepared remains for transport including viewability preparation when appropriate
Maintained detailed documentation and accountability for all operations
Operated in emotionally challenging environments maintaining professionalism and composure
Provided grief support interaction with dignity and cultural sensitivity

That's funeral service operations, embalming and preparation, family liaison, regulatory compliance, documentation management, and emotional resilience. The civilian death care industry—funeral homes, mortuaries, crematories, medical examiner offices—needs professionals with your unique combination of technical skills, emotional maturity, and commitment to dignity.

What Does a 92M Mortuary Affairs Specialist Do?

As a 92M, you had one of the Army's most sacred missions: ensuring fallen service members were handled with dignity and returned to their families with respect and completeness. You were the last to care for them before they came home.

You worked at Mortuary Affairs Collection Points (MACP), theater mortuary evacuation points, and deployed locations. You received, processed, and prepared remains. You inventoried and secured personal effects. You coordinated with medical examiners for autopsies or investigations. You prepared remains for air transport. You interacted with chaplains, commanders, and sometimes families.

You understood cultural and religious death practices, embalming principles, forensic photography, personal effects accountability, and military burial honors. You worked in emotionally demanding conditions—sometimes processing casualties you knew personally, always maintaining composure and professionalism.

You didn't just "handle bodies"—you provided dignified care ensuring service members returned home with honor and families received closure during their darkest moments.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 92M Veterans

Funeral Director (most direct transition)

Civilian job titles:

Funeral Director
Funeral Service Director
Mortician
Funeral Arranger

Salary ranges:

Apprentice/Licensed Funeral Director (entry): $40,000-$55,000
Funeral Director (3-5 years experience): $55,000-$75,000
Senior Funeral Director: $70,000-$90,000
Funeral Home Manager/Owner: $75,000-$130,000+

What translates directly:

Remains handling with dignity and respect
Family interaction during grief and crisis
Cultural and religious death practice knowledge
Coordination with medical examiners, clergy, cemeteries
Documentation and legal compliance
Organization of memorial services and funerals
Professional composure in emotional situations

Certifications needed:

Mortuary Science Degree (Associate or Bachelor's—required in most states, $5,000-$13,000/year, 2 years)
State Funeral Director License (requirements vary by state—written exam, practical exam, 1-3 year apprenticeship)
National Board Examination (administered by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards)

Reality check: Funeral directing is emotionally demanding, requires excellent people skills, involves irregular hours (deaths happen 24/7, funerals on weekends), and demands patience through lengthy licensing process. But it's stable, meaningful work providing essential service to families during their most difficult times.

Most states require mortuary science degree plus 1-3 year apprenticeship before full licensing. Plan 3-4 years total from separation to full funeral director license. Your 92M experience often allows working as funeral attendant or apprentice immediately while pursuing education/licensing.

Best for: 92Ms who want to continue dignified remains care, have strong interpersonal skills, want meaningful career helping families through grief, and are willing to pursue required education and licensing.

Embalmer (specialized technical role)

Civilian job titles:

Embalmer
Licensed Embalmer
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Salary ranges:

Apprentice Embalmer: $38,000-$48,000
Licensed Embalmer: $45,000-$62,000
Senior Embalmer: $55,000-$75,000
Embalming Director (large operations): $65,000-$85,000+

What translates directly:

Remains preparation and preservation experience
Understanding of human anatomy and decomposition
Attention to detail and technical precision
Working with deceased remains with dignity
Following strict protocols and standards
Handling HAZMAT and bloodborne pathogens
Working independently with minimal supervision

Certifications needed:

Mortuary Science Degree (Associate—required, includes embalming coursework)
State Embalmer License (separate from funeral director license in many states)
Practical embalming training (hands-on apprenticeship)
Continuing education (required to maintain license)

Reality check: Embalming is technical, solitary work requiring strong stomach, attention to detail, and comfort working alone with deceased. Less family interaction than funeral directing—more behind-the-scenes technical work. Some embalmers work independently contracting with multiple funeral homes.

Physical demands include lifting, standing for extended periods, and exposure to chemicals and bloodborne pathogens. Requires meticulous adherence to safety protocols.

Best for: 92Ms who prefer technical work over family interaction, have strong attention to detail, are comfortable with solitary work environments, and want specialized technical career.

Medical Examiner / Coroner Investigator

Civilian job titles:

Medical Examiner Investigator
Coroner Investigator
Death Investigator
Forensic Investigator

Salary ranges:

Death Investigator: $45,000-$62,000
Medical Examiner Investigator: $55,000-$75,000
Senior Investigator: $65,000-$85,000
Chief Investigator: $75,000-$100,000+

What translates directly:

Scene documentation and photography
Chain of custody and evidence management
Coordination with law enforcement and medical professionals
Report writing and documentation
Interviewing family members and witnesses
Working with deceased in various conditions
Professional composure in challenging situations

Certifications needed:

Bachelor's degree (criminal justice, forensic science, or related field—preferred)
ABMDI certification (American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators—registry or diplomate)
State-specific training (coroner/ME investigator courses)
Background investigation and clearance

Reality check: Death investigation involves attending death scenes (homes, accidents, crime scenes), working irregular hours (on-call 24/7 rotations), documenting scenes thoroughly, interviewing families during crisis, and testifying in court. Exposure to traumatic scenes including suicides, homicides, accidents.

Work is steady, stable government employment with benefits. Less direct grief support than funeral directing, more investigative and legal focus. Some jurisdictions are elected coroner positions; others are appointed ME investigators.

Best for: 92Ms who want investigative work, are comfortable with law enforcement coordination, have strong documentation skills, and want government employment with stability and benefits.

Crematory Operator / Manager

Civilian job titles:

Crematory Operator
Cremation Technician
Crematory Manager
Memorial Services Coordinator (with cremation focus)

Salary ranges:

Crematory Operator: $35,000-$50,000
Cremation Technician: $40,000-$55,000
Crematory Manager: $50,000-$70,000
Regional Crematory Operations Manager: $65,000-$85,000

What translates directly:

Remains handling with dignity and care
Equipment operations and maintenance
Regulatory compliance and documentation
Quality control and attention to detail
Family interaction during memorial services
Understanding of cultural/religious cremation practices

Certifications needed:

Crematory Operator Certification (Cremation Association of North America—CANA, $500-$800)
State crematory license (requirements vary by state)
OSHA safety training
On-the-job training (usually employer-provided)

Reality check: Cremation is growing segment of death care industry—over 60% of Americans now choose cremation. Crematory operators manage cremation process, ensure proper identification, operate equipment, process cremated remains, and coordinate with families or funeral homes.

Work involves physical labor (lifting, transferring remains), working alone, equipment maintenance, and meticulous attention to identification and tracking. Hours can be irregular as crematories operate extended schedules.

Growth opportunity as cremation continues expanding. Many operators advance to management overseeing multiple crematories or opening independent cremation services.

Best for: 92Ms who want specialized technical role in growing death care segment, prefer less family interaction than funeral directing, and are comfortable with independent work.

Cemetery Operations / Veteran Cemetery Specialist

Civilian job titles:

Cemetery Operations Manager
Veteran Cemetery Specialist
Cemetery Superintendent
Burial Operations Coordinator
Memorial Services Coordinator

Salary ranges:

Cemetery Worker/Groundskeeper: $32,000-$45,000
Cemetery Operations Coordinator: $42,000-$58,000
Cemetery Manager: $50,000-$70,000
Superintendent (large cemetery/VA): $65,000-$90,000

What translates directly:

Military funeral honors knowledge
Coordination of burial operations
Family liaison during services
Understanding of veteran burial benefits
Documentation and record keeping
Cultural sensitivity and dignity focus

Certifications needed:

Cemetery operations training (employer-provided or industry courses)
Veteran burial benefits knowledge (VA training available)
Equipment operations (backhoe, landscaping equipment)
State cemetery operator license (some states require)

Reality check: Cemetery work includes both operational aspects (grave preparation, grounds maintenance, equipment operation) and administrative duties (scheduling services, maintaining records, coordinating with families and funeral homes).

VA National Cemeteries and state veteran cemeteries specifically value 92M experience for understanding military funeral honors, veteran burial benefits, and respectful coordination of services.

Work is typically daytime hours (services scheduled in advance), outdoors, and stable government or private cemetery employment. Physical demands include outdoor work, equipment operation, and some lifting.

Best for: 92Ms who want to continue serving veterans and families, prefer combination of operational and administrative work, like outdoor work environments, and want stable employment with veteran focus.

Required Certifications & Training

High Priority (get these):

Mortuary Science Degree (Associate or Bachelor's)

What it is: Accredited degree required for funeral director and embalmer licensing in most states
Cost: $5,000-$13,000 per year (GI Bill covers it), 2 years for Associate
Requirements: High school diploma, prerequisite courses vary by state, clinical internship hours
Value: Required for licensing in funeral services—non-negotiable for funeral director and embalmer careers
Best programs: Community colleges with accredited mortuary science programs, dedicated mortuary colleges (American Academy McAllister Institute, Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science)

State Funeral Director License

What it is: State-issued license required to practice as funeral director
Requirements: Mortuary science degree, 1-3 year apprenticeship (varies by state), written exam, practical exam
Cost: $500-$2,000 for exams and licensing fees
Time: 3-4 years total (degree + apprenticeship)
Value: Legal requirement to work as funeral director—opens highest-paying positions

National Board Examination (NBE)

What it is: Standardized national exam covering funeral service arts and sciences
Cost: $400-$600 exam fee
Format: Written exam covering embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, business, ethics
Value: Required by most states as part of licensing process

ServSafe / Food Handler Certification

What it is: Food safety certification for receptions and catered events at funeral homes
Cost: $15-$150
Value: Many funeral homes provide reception services requiring food safety compliance

Medium Priority (if it fits your path):

ABMDI Certification (Death Investigation)

What it is: American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators certification for ME/coroner investigators
Levels: Registry (entry) and Diplomate (advanced)
Cost: $300-$600 exam fees
Value: Professional credential for death investigation careers, often preferred or required by ME/coroner offices

Crematory Operator Certification

What it is: CANA (Cremation Association of North America) certification for crematory operators
Cost: $500-$800 for training and certification
Time: 1-2 day course plus exam
Value: Industry standard for crematory operators, often required by employers

Bachelor's Degree (Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Healthcare Administration)

Cost: $0 with GI Bill
Time: 2-4 years depending on transfer credits
Value: Required or preferred for death investigation, ME investigator, and management positions

Lower Priority (nice to have):

Grief Counseling / Thanatology Certification

Professional development for family support roles
Cost: $1,000-$3,000
Value: Differentiator for funeral directors providing grief support

Business Management Training

Helpful for funeral home management and ownership
Cost: Varies (community college courses, online programs)
Value: Essential if considering funeral home ownership or management

Companies & Organizations Hiring 92M Veterans

Major Funeral Home Corporations

Service Corporation International (SCI) - North America's largest provider, 1,500+ locations
Carriage Services - 175+ funeral homes and cemeteries
StoneMor Partners - Cemetery and funeral home operator
Park Lawn Corporation - Growing death care services provider
Foundation Partners Group - Funeral home and cemetery network
Arbor Memorial - Canadian death care provider

Independent Funeral Homes

Thousands of independently owned funeral homes nationwide (search local associations)
State funeral director associations list members and job boards

Medical Examiner / Coroner Offices

County medical examiner offices (major metropolitan areas)
State medical examiner offices
County coroner offices (elected positions in some states)

Federal / Government

Department of Veterans Affairs - National cemeteries (cemetery directors, operations)
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System - Dover Port Mortuary (civilian positions)
State Veteran Cemeteries - Cemetery operations and management
County/City Cemetery Districts - Public cemetery operations

Cremation Services

Neptune Society (national cremation provider)
Cremation Society chapters (various states)
Independent cremation providers (growing market)

Related Organizations

Medical schools (body donation programs, anatomical services)
Tissue and organ donation organizations (coordinators, recovery technicians)
Forensic consulting firms (expert witnesses, training providers)

Salary Expectations & Geographic Considerations

Entry-Level (0-2 years, apprentice/assistant)

National average: $35,000-$50,000
Major metro areas: $42,000-$58,000
Lower cost areas: $32,000-$45,000

Mid-Level (Licensed, 3-5 years experience)

Licensed Funeral Director: $55,000-$75,000
Licensed Embalmer: $50,000-$70,000
Death Investigator: $55,000-$75,000

Senior-Level (Manager, 8+ years)

Funeral Home Manager: $70,000-$95,000
Senior Funeral Director: $75,000-$100,000
Chief Death Investigator: $75,000-$100,000

Highest-Paying States:

Connecticut - $110,000+ for experienced funeral directors
Massachusetts - $80,000-$95,000
New York - $70,000-$90,000
California - $65,000-$85,000
New Jersey - $70,000-$90,000

Best Markets:

Large metropolitan areas (NYC, Boston, Chicago, LA) - higher salaries but higher costs
Suburban areas - balanced income and cost of living
Rural areas - lower salaries but less competition, community connections important

Your Transition Timeline

12-6 Months Out:

Research state licensing requirements for funeral director/embalmer (vary significantly)
Apply to accredited mortuary science programs (GI Bill covers tuition)
Begin working as funeral attendant or apprentice (many states allow this before degree completion)
Document your 92M experience emphasizing dignity, family interaction, documentation
Connect with civilian mortuary professionals on LinkedIn

6-3 Months Out:

Enroll in mortuary science program (associate degree, 2 years)
Apply for funeral home apprentice positions in target locations
Consider relocating to states with better licensing pathways if current state has restrictive requirements
Join professional associations (National Funeral Directors Association, state associations)
Research funeral home employers and independent operations

First 3 Years Post-Separation:

Work as apprentice funeral director while completing mortuary science degree
Complete required apprenticeship hours (1-3 years depending on state)
Pass National Board Examination
Pass state licensing exams (written and practical)
Obtain full funeral director and/or embalmer license
Build relationships in local death care community

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not researching state licensing requirements early - Requirements vary dramatically by state; some have easier pathways than others
Expecting quick transition - Licensing takes 3-4 years; plan accordingly
Underestimating emotional toll - Death care work is emotionally demanding; ensure you have support systems
Ignoring business aspects - Funeral directing involves sales, customer service, business operations—not just remains care
Limiting yourself to funeral directing - Death investigation, cremation, cemetery operations also leverage your 92M experience
Not joining professional associations - Networking and connections matter in death care industry
Skipping GI Bill utilization - Mortuary science degree is required and expensive—use your education benefits

Success Stories

Thomas, 28, former 92M (E-4) → Licensed Funeral Director

Thomas served 5 years including deployment mortuary operations. He enrolled in mortuary science associate degree program immediately after separation (GI Bill covered tuition), worked as funeral attendant during school, completed apprenticeship, passed exams, and became licensed funeral director within 3.5 years. Now makes $68K at established funeral home with path to management. "My 92M experience gave me maturity and composure funeral directing requires. Families appreciate my military background."

Sarah, 32, former 92M (E-6) → Medical Examiner Investigator

Sarah served 9 years managing theater mortuary operations. She completed bachelor's in criminal justice using GI Bill, then applied to county medical examiner office. Her 92M documentation, scene processing, and remains handling experience made her competitive. Hired as death investigator at $58K, now senior investigator making $72K. "Death investigation combines my mortuary experience with investigative work. It's challenging, meaningful work with government stability and benefits."

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Week 1:

Research your state's funeral director/embalmer licensing requirements
Identify accredited mortuary science programs (community colleges, mortuary schools)
Connect with 5-10 funeral homes in target area about apprentice opportunities
Join National Funeral Directors Association (veteran rates available)

Week 2:

Apply to mortuary science programs (deadlines vary, apply early)
Draft resume emphasizing remains care, family interaction, documentation, dignity focus
Research funeral home employers in target area (large chains and independent operators)
Consider death investigation careers if interested in forensics/law enforcement

Week 3:

Apply to funeral attendant or apprentice positions (can start while pursuing education)
Schedule informational interviews with funeral directors (ask about their career path)
Research cremation and cemetery operations as alternative paths
Set up GI Bill benefits for mortuary science program

Week 4:

Accept apprentice position if offered (start gaining required hours)
Enroll in mortuary science program
Join state funeral director association
Create 3-4 year plan outlining degree completion, apprenticeship hours, licensing exams
Request DD-214 copies for veteran status verification

Bottom Line for 92M Veterans

Your Mortuary Affairs experience represents the military's most sacred mission—ensuring fallen service members return home with dignity. That responsibility, composure, and technical expertise translates directly to civilian death care careers serving families during their most difficult moments.

You've handled remains with respect, interacted with grieving families, maintained meticulous documentation, worked in emotionally demanding environments, and upheld the highest standards of dignity and care. Those skills are exactly what funeral services, death investigation, and mortuary operations need.

The death care industry is stable, essential, and growing. Over 2.8 million Americans die annually, and every death requires professional death care services. Funeral directors, embalmers, death investigators, crematory operators, and cemetery managers are always needed.

First-year income of $35K-$50K is realistic during apprenticeship. Within 3-5 years with full licensing, you'll earn $55K-$75K. Senior funeral directors and managers earn $75K-$95K+, with top earners in high-cost areas exceeding $110K.

The path requires commitment: 2-year mortuary science degree, 1-3 year apprenticeship, and licensing exams. But your 92M experience provides maturity, technical knowledge, and emotional resilience civilian mortuary science students often lack.

This is meaningful work providing essential service to families. If you're called to continue serving those who've passed and their families with dignity and respect, civilian death care careers offer stable, rewarding opportunities to do exactly that.

Execute your transition plan with the same dignity and professionalism you brought to your 92M mission.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Here's what you actually did as a 92M:

Processed and prepared deceased remains following military protocols and regulatory requirements
Conducted dignified transfers maintaining respect and military honors throughout handling
Managed personal effects inventory, documentation, and chain of custody ensuring families received complete belongings
Coordinated with medical examiners, commanders, chaplains, and casualty assistance officers
Prepared remains for transport including viewability preparation when appropriate
Maintained detailed documentation and accountability for all operations
Operated in emotionally challenging environments maintaining professionalism and composure
Provided grief support interaction with dignity and cultural sensitivity

What Does a 92M Mortuary Affairs Specialist Do?

You didn't just "handle bodies"—you provided dignified care ensuring service members returned home with honor and families received closure during their darkest moments.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 92M Veterans

Funeral Director (most direct transition)

Civilian job titles:

Funeral Director
Funeral Service Director
Mortician
Funeral Arranger

Salary ranges:

Apprentice/Licensed Funeral Director (entry): $40,000-$55,000
Funeral Director (3-5 years experience): $55,000-$75,000
Senior Funeral Director: $70,000-$90,000
Funeral Home Manager/Owner: $75,000-$130,000+

What translates directly:

Remains handling with dignity and respect
Family interaction during grief and crisis
Cultural and religious death practice knowledge
Coordination with medical examiners, clergy, cemeteries
Documentation and legal compliance
Organization of memorial services and funerals
Professional composure in emotional situations

Certifications needed:

Mortuary Science Degree (Associate or Bachelor's—required in most states, $5,000-$13,000/year, 2 years)
State Funeral Director License (requirements vary by state—written exam, practical exam, 1-3 year apprenticeship)
National Board Examination (administered by The International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards)

Embalmer (specialized technical role)

Civilian job titles:

Embalmer
Licensed Embalmer
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Salary ranges:

Apprentice Embalmer: $38,000-$48,000
Licensed Embalmer: $45,000-$62,000
Senior Embalmer: $55,000-$75,000
Embalming Director (large operations): $65,000-$85,000+

What translates directly:

Remains preparation and preservation experience
Understanding of human anatomy and decomposition
Attention to detail and technical precision
Working with deceased remains with dignity
Following strict protocols and standards
Handling HAZMAT and bloodborne pathogens
Working independently with minimal supervision

Certifications needed:

Mortuary Science Degree (Associate—required, includes embalming coursework)
State Embalmer License (separate from funeral director license in many states)
Practical embalming training (hands-on apprenticeship)
Continuing education (required to maintain license)

Physical demands include lifting, standing for extended periods, and exposure to chemicals and bloodborne pathogens. Requires meticulous adherence to safety protocols.

Best for: 92Ms who prefer technical work over family interaction, have strong attention to detail, are comfortable with solitary work environments, and want specialized technical career.

Medical Examiner / Coroner Investigator

Civilian job titles:

Medical Examiner Investigator
Coroner Investigator
Death Investigator
Forensic Investigator

Salary ranges:

Death Investigator: $45,000-$62,000
Medical Examiner Investigator: $55,000-$75,000
Senior Investigator: $65,000-$85,000
Chief Investigator: $75,000-$100,000+

What translates directly:

Scene documentation and photography
Chain of custody and evidence management
Coordination with law enforcement and medical professionals
Report writing and documentation
Interviewing family members and witnesses
Working with deceased in various conditions
Professional composure in challenging situations

Certifications needed:

Bachelor's degree (criminal justice, forensic science, or related field—preferred)
ABMDI certification (American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators—registry or diplomate)
State-specific training (coroner/ME investigator courses)
Background investigation and clearance

Best for: 92Ms who want investigative work, are comfortable with law enforcement coordination, have strong documentation skills, and want government employment with stability and benefits.

Crematory Operator / Manager

Civilian job titles:

Crematory Operator
Cremation Technician
Crematory Manager
Memorial Services Coordinator (with cremation focus)

Salary ranges:

Crematory Operator: $35,000-$50,000
Cremation Technician: $40,000-$55,000
Crematory Manager: $50,000-$70,000
Regional Crematory Operations Manager: $65,000-$85,000

What translates directly:

Remains handling with dignity and care
Equipment operations and maintenance
Regulatory compliance and documentation
Quality control and attention to detail
Family interaction during memorial services
Understanding of cultural/religious cremation practices

Certifications needed:

Crematory Operator Certification (Cremation Association of North America—CANA, $500-$800)
State crematory license (requirements vary by state)
OSHA safety training
On-the-job training (usually employer-provided)

Growth opportunity as cremation continues expanding. Many operators advance to management overseeing multiple crematories or opening independent cremation services.

Best for: 92Ms who want specialized technical role in growing death care segment, prefer less family interaction than funeral directing, and are comfortable with independent work.

Cemetery Operations / Veteran Cemetery Specialist

Civilian job titles:

Cemetery Operations Manager
Veteran Cemetery Specialist
Cemetery Superintendent
Burial Operations Coordinator
Memorial Services Coordinator

Salary ranges:

Cemetery Worker/Groundskeeper: $32,000-$45,000
Cemetery Operations Coordinator: $42,000-$58,000
Cemetery Manager: $50,000-$70,000
Superintendent (large cemetery/VA): $65,000-$90,000

What translates directly:

Military funeral honors knowledge
Coordination of burial operations
Family liaison during services
Understanding of veteran burial benefits
Documentation and record keeping
Cultural sensitivity and dignity focus

Certifications needed:

Cemetery operations training (employer-provided or industry courses)
Veteran burial benefits knowledge (VA training available)
Equipment operations (backhoe, landscaping equipment)
State cemetery operator license (some states require)

VA National Cemeteries and state veteran cemeteries specifically value 92M experience for understanding military funeral honors, veteran burial benefits, and respectful coordination of services.

Required Certifications & Training

High Priority (get these):

Mortuary Science Degree (Associate or Bachelor's)

What it is: Accredited degree required for funeral director and embalmer licensing in most states
Cost: $5,000-$13,000 per year (GI Bill covers it), 2 years for Associate
Requirements: High school diploma, prerequisite courses vary by state, clinical internship hours
Value: Required for licensing in funeral services—non-negotiable for funeral director and embalmer careers
Best programs: Community colleges with accredited mortuary science programs, dedicated mortuary colleges (American Academy McAllister Institute, Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science)

State Funeral Director License

What it is: State-issued license required to practice as funeral director
Requirements: Mortuary science degree, 1-3 year apprenticeship (varies by state), written exam, practical exam
Cost: $500-$2,000 for exams and licensing fees
Time: 3-4 years total (degree + apprenticeship)
Value: Legal requirement to work as funeral director—opens highest-paying positions

National Board Examination (NBE)

What it is: Standardized national exam covering funeral service arts and sciences
Cost: $400-$600 exam fee
Format: Written exam covering embalming, restorative art, funeral directing, business, ethics
Value: Required by most states as part of licensing process

ServSafe / Food Handler Certification

What it is: Food safety certification for receptions and catered events at funeral homes
Cost: $15-$150
Value: Many funeral homes provide reception services requiring food safety compliance

Medium Priority (if it fits your path):

ABMDI Certification (Death Investigation)

What it is: American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators certification for ME/coroner investigators
Levels: Registry (entry) and Diplomate (advanced)
Cost: $300-$600 exam fees
Value: Professional credential for death investigation careers, often preferred or required by ME/coroner offices

Crematory Operator Certification

What it is: CANA (Cremation Association of North America) certification for crematory operators
Cost: $500-$800 for training and certification
Time: 1-2 day course plus exam
Value: Industry standard for crematory operators, often required by employers

Bachelor's Degree (Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Healthcare Administration)

Cost: $0 with GI Bill
Time: 2-4 years depending on transfer credits
Value: Required or preferred for death investigation, ME investigator, and management positions

Lower Priority (nice to have):

Grief Counseling / Thanatology Certification

Professional development for family support roles
Cost: $1,000-$3,000
Value: Differentiator for funeral directors providing grief support

Business Management Training

Helpful for funeral home management and ownership
Cost: Varies (community college courses, online programs)
Value: Essential if considering funeral home ownership or management

Companies & Organizations Hiring 92M Veterans

Major Funeral Home Corporations

Service Corporation International (SCI) - North America's largest provider, 1,500+ locations
Carriage Services - 175+ funeral homes and cemeteries
StoneMor Partners - Cemetery and funeral home operator
Park Lawn Corporation - Growing death care services provider
Foundation Partners Group - Funeral home and cemetery network
Arbor Memorial - Canadian death care provider

Independent Funeral Homes

Thousands of independently owned funeral homes nationwide (search local associations)
State funeral director associations list members and job boards

Medical Examiner / Coroner Offices

County medical examiner offices (major metropolitan areas)
State medical examiner offices
County coroner offices (elected positions in some states)

Federal / Government

Department of Veterans Affairs - National cemeteries (cemetery directors, operations)
Armed Forces Medical Examiner System - Dover Port Mortuary (civilian positions)
State Veteran Cemeteries - Cemetery operations and management
County/City Cemetery Districts - Public cemetery operations

Cremation Services

Neptune Society (national cremation provider)
Cremation Society chapters (various states)
Independent cremation providers (growing market)

Related Organizations

Medical schools (body donation programs, anatomical services)
Tissue and organ donation organizations (coordinators, recovery technicians)
Forensic consulting firms (expert witnesses, training providers)

Salary Expectations & Geographic Considerations

Entry-Level (0-2 years, apprentice/assistant)

National average: $35,000-$50,000
Major metro areas: $42,000-$58,000
Lower cost areas: $32,000-$45,000

Mid-Level (Licensed, 3-5 years experience)

Licensed Funeral Director: $55,000-$75,000
Licensed Embalmer: $50,000-$70,000
Death Investigator: $55,000-$75,000

Senior-Level (Manager, 8+ years)

Funeral Home Manager: $70,000-$95,000
Senior Funeral Director: $75,000-$100,000
Chief Death Investigator: $75,000-$100,000

Highest-Paying States:

Connecticut - $110,000+ for experienced funeral directors
Massachusetts - $80,000-$95,000
New York - $70,000-$90,000
California - $65,000-$85,000
New Jersey - $70,000-$90,000

Best Markets:

Large metropolitan areas (NYC, Boston, Chicago, LA) - higher salaries but higher costs
Suburban areas - balanced income and cost of living
Rural areas - lower salaries but less competition, community connections important

Your Transition Timeline

12-6 Months Out:

Research state licensing requirements for funeral director/embalmer (vary significantly)
Apply to accredited mortuary science programs (GI Bill covers tuition)
Begin working as funeral attendant or apprentice (many states allow this before degree completion)
Document your 92M experience emphasizing dignity, family interaction, documentation
Connect with civilian mortuary professionals on LinkedIn

6-3 Months Out:

Enroll in mortuary science program (associate degree, 2 years)
Apply for funeral home apprentice positions in target locations
Consider relocating to states with better licensing pathways if current state has restrictive requirements
Join professional associations (National Funeral Directors Association, state associations)
Research funeral home employers and independent operations

First 3 Years Post-Separation:

Work as apprentice funeral director while completing mortuary science degree
Complete required apprenticeship hours (1-3 years depending on state)
Pass National Board Examination
Pass state licensing exams (written and practical)
Obtain full funeral director and/or embalmer license
Build relationships in local death care community

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not researching state licensing requirements early - Requirements vary dramatically by state; some have easier pathways than others
Expecting quick transition - Licensing takes 3-4 years; plan accordingly
Underestimating emotional toll - Death care work is emotionally demanding; ensure you have support systems
Ignoring business aspects - Funeral directing involves sales, customer service, business operations—not just remains care
Limiting yourself to funeral directing - Death investigation, cremation, cemetery operations also leverage your 92M experience
Not joining professional associations - Networking and connections matter in death care industry
Skipping GI Bill utilization - Mortuary science degree is required and expensive—use your education benefits

Success Stories

Thomas, 28, former 92M (E-4) → Licensed Funeral Director

Sarah, 32, former 92M (E-6) → Medical Examiner Investigator

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

Week 1:

Research your state's funeral director/embalmer licensing requirements
Identify accredited mortuary science programs (community colleges, mortuary schools)
Connect with 5-10 funeral homes in target area about apprentice opportunities
Join National Funeral Directors Association (veteran rates available)

Week 2:

Apply to mortuary science programs (deadlines vary, apply early)
Draft resume emphasizing remains care, family interaction, documentation, dignity focus
Research funeral home employers in target area (large chains and independent operators)
Consider death investigation careers if interested in forensics/law enforcement

Week 3:

Apply to funeral attendant or apprentice positions (can start while pursuing education)
Schedule informational interviews with funeral directors (ask about their career path)
Research cremation and cemetery operations as alternative paths
Set up GI Bill benefits for mortuary science program

Week 4:

Accept apprentice position if offered (start gaining required hours)
Enroll in mortuary science program
Join state funeral director association
Create 3-4 year plan outlining degree completion, apprenticeship hours, licensing exams
Request DD-214 copies for veteran status verification

Bottom Line for 92M Veterans

Execute your transition plan with the same dignity and professionalism you brought to your 92M mission.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.