When researching end-of-life options or planning a funeral, you may come across the word undertaker and wonder what an undertaker is and what they do. Undertaker is an older term used less frequently than others. Now, the preferred terms for an undertaker are funeral director or funeral arranger. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the term undertaker first appeared in the 1600s to describe someone who “undertook” responsibility for various tasks, including managing funerals. By the 18th century, it became more narrowly associated with funeral services.

The term is still commonly used in some regions, particularly in the United Kingdom and parts of Canada. In contrast, in the United States, funeral director is the industry standard. Cultural and regional preferences may influence which term is used, but they generally refer to the same profession.

Mortician is another older term that may be used interchangeably with undertaker. A mortician’s job—like that of an undertaker—would now be considered that of a funeral director.

Ultimately, undertaker and mortician are the same as a funeral director. 

Undertaker duties and responsibilities

To become an undertaker or funeral director in the United States, individuals typically complete a formal education program in mortuary science, followed by an apprenticeship and state licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state but often include passing an exam. Many funeral directors are also licensed embalmers, though embalming requires a separate certification in some areas.

The exact roles of an undertaker (funeral director) vary by funeral home. His or her job may be to manage or help manage the business of running a funeral home and its day-to-day responsibilities. He or she may also be perform more supportive roles, such as providing comfort to a family. 

Some of the duties that undertakers may perform include:

• Greet families and other visitors upon arrival at the funeral home.
• Provide comfort for families who have lost a loved one.
• Explain end-of-life options to those planning arrangements.
• Plan and arrange funerals.
• Handle the bodies of loved ones in a respectful and caring manner.
• Embalm loved ones. (Not all funeral directors perform embalming, but many are licensed to do so.)
• Arrange transportation for bodies of loved ones.
• Direct or oversee funerals. 
• Manage paperwork related to funerals, such as filing for permits or death certificates.

At a larger funeral home, an undertaker may handle just a couple of these responsibilities, such as working directly with families to plan funerals. One undertaker may handle all these roles at a smaller funeral home or even own the business. In some cases, these duties are not just practical, they’re legally required.

How much does an undertaker cost?

The rate of an undertaker/funeral director will vary by funeral home. 

On their general price lists, funeral homes include a “nondeclinable basic service fee.” This fee covers the services of an undertaker/funeral director, such as obtaining a death certificate and making arrangements with a crematory or cemetery. The fee also helps to cover the overhead of operating the funeral home.

Nondeclinable means that the fee must be paid if you plan to work with that funeral home.

A 2023 National Funeral Directors Association survey found that the median nondeclinable basic services fee in the United States was $2,495.

Is an undertaker required for a funeral or cremation?

The requirement for an undertaker/funeral director for a funeral or cremation in the United States varies by state. Check your state’s laws or ask a local funeral director for more information.

In some states, you legally need an undertaker/funeral director to manage certain aspects of a burial or cremation. A state may require that embalming be performed by a licensed embalmer, who may also be an undertaker/funeral director. And some crematories partner only with funeral homes.

In some states, families may legally conduct a funeral or hire a crematory without involving a licensed undertaker/funeral director. However, these arrangements often require careful planning and adherence to local regulations, which is why many families opt to work with a licensed professional or funeral home. Their expertise and support can be invaluable when you’re going through a difficult time.