Mortuary Cosmetologists

The nature of the field of mortuary cosmetology, and indeed the field of cosmetology in general, is that earnings grow only as clientele increases. In any aspect of cosmetology, that means low earnings and hard work in the beginning. As cosmetologists develop client loyalty, their earnings will rise. In the mortuary cosmetologist's case, proving the value of one's services to a funeral home or a salon is the key to higher earnings. Mortuary cosmetologists charge more for their services to funeral homes than services in a salon. For example, a woman's haircut and style may cost $50 to $100 in many areas. In the same areas, hairdressing for a female decedent done on a visit to a funeral home may cost $125 to $300 because it is a specialized service. However, anyone planning to enter the field should remember it is a relatively new and highly specialized career and demand is still somewhat limited. Mortuary cosmetology is not well known to the general public, and with the higher earnings comes the responsibility of marketing one's services to generate business.

Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists who worked in the death care services sector earned an average salary of $54,100 in May 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Salaries for all hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists ranged from less than $23,520 to more than $63,310. Earnings are affected by factors such as number of clients, experience, and even location of the business.

Most mortuary cosmetologists are self-employed and must provide their own benefits, such as health and life insurance and a savings and pension program.