Funeral Directors & Embalmers

Your Calling

Why choose this career

Choosing a career as a funeral director means doing work that truly matters. You support families during some of their most difficult moments, helping them feel guided, heard, and cared for. It’s a respected, people-centered profession where the impact you make lasts far beyond a single day.

Grow with support

With more than 80 locations, you're part of a connected team that values mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth. You're supported as you build skills, confidence, and a long-term career.

Purpose with professionalism

This role blends empathy with structure – combining human connection with planning, coordination, and attention to detail. It's a fulfilling career path for those who value both compassion and professionalism.

A Day In The Life Of A Funeral Director

Morning Arrangements

Helping families prepare for the service with compassion and care.

Client Consultations

Listening to families' stories and guiding them through the process.

Aftercare Services

Providing support and resources for families in their time of need.

Service Preparation

Ensuring that every detail is in place for a respectful farewell.

Final Goodbyes

Creating a meaningful experience to honor loved ones.

Community Outreach

Engaging with the community to foster compassion and understanding.

What Our Employees Are Saying

Real voices from the NorthStar Memorial Group family.

Potential Career Path

Your growth journey at NorthStar.

Funeral Director / Embalmer Intern or Apprentice

Begin your journey with comprehensive training that covers essential skills for funeral service, ensuring you are well-prepared to assist families.

Funeral Director

Begin your journey with comprehensive training that covers essential skills for funeral service, ensuring you are well-prepared to assist families.

Funeral Arranger

Begin your journey with comprehensive training that covers essential skills for funeral service, ensuring you are well-prepared to assist families.

Funeral Director / Embalmer Intern or Apprentice

Begin your journey with comprehensive training that covers essential skills for funeral service, ensuring you are well-prepared to assist families.

Funeral Arranger

Begin your journey with comprehensive training that covers essential skills for funeral service, ensuring you are well-prepared to assist families.

Funeral Director

Begin your journey with comprehensive training that covers essential skills for funeral service, ensuring you are well-prepared to assist families.

Industry Insights

Where funeral directors come from.

Healthcare

~25–30%

transition into funeral director careers

Nursing assistants, medical assistants, hospice, and allied health professionals

Caregiving

~20–25%

transition into funeral director careers

Home health aides, caregivers, social services, long-term care professionals

Hospitality

~30–35%

transition into funeral director careers

Hospitality, event coordination, retail, and other customer-facing roles

Apprenticeships & Internships

NorthStar Memorial Group supports the next generation of funeral professionals through hands-on learning opportunities. Many locations offer Funeral Director Intern roles for mortuary science students, along with summer internships for high school students through local school partnerships. Whether you’re in mortuary school or exploring the profession, we provide mentorship, real-world training, and a pathway to licensure and long-term career growth.

Practice with Purpose

Support families through meaningful moments while learning how to present options, coordinate services, and contribute to exceptional care.

Train with the Team

Shadow licensed professionals, strengthen your skills with real guidance, and grow in a culture that values collaboration and doing things the right way.

Build Toward What's Next

Develop the foundation for licensure and career advancement—plus pipeline opportunities that help match you with openings by location and interest.

Full-time interns/apprentices may be eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, vision, HSA, life insurance, and 401(k) match.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions about working at NorthStar.

Our culture is rooted in PACT — the core values that guide how we serve families and how we show up for one another. PACT stands for: Passion, Accountability, Caring & Teamwork. These are not just words on a wall. They shape how we make decisions, support families, collaborate across locations, and grow our careers. You’ll see PACT reflected in how leaders coach, how teams communicate, and how we measure success.

Not always. Many roles — especially in sales, administration, and support — do not require funeral profession experience. We value transferable skills, empathy, and a willingness to learn.

We invest in our people. Training varies by role but may include blended learning, hands-on mentorship, digital resources, and structured onboarding. Our goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and prepared for success.

Many of our leaders and long-tenured employees started in entry or mid-level roles. We believe in internal growth, skill development, and creating pathways for people who want to build a long-term career with us.

Our culture is built on care, respect, accountability, and teamwork. We take our work seriously — but we also value humanity, balance, and supporting one another.

If you’re drawn to meaningful work, value stability and growth, and want to be part of something bigger than yourself — you’re likely in the right place.

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