r/askfuneraldirectors • u/CluelessYoka • 1d ago

Advice Needed Can I get better pay?

I'm F23 in N C, retired community and I've been offered a job position at a corporate company as a funeral assistant. I'm one exam away from being as licensed funeral director so I've decided to try to get my foot in the door (I know I'm very late in the game I guess) the manager said the pay is $12/hr and $75 per removal i make on the job, it's only part time for now she's says until another job position open up, doesn't promise work hours and Im waiting to hear back so I can get a back ground check and drg test. I have a degree in mortuary science and almost 2yrs of experience in the field as an funeral director and embalmer assistant, because of my volunteering and traineeship. Would it be appropriate to ask for more pay? How can I bring this up? I don't want to sound money hungry, but realistically with that pay I won't even be able to pay for rent. Also if you are also in N C if you don't mind sharing what you started off making and what you make now, I don't want to be made a fool here tbh

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u/Dry_Major2911 1d ago

I looked up what is minimum wage in NC it is only $7.25, so a good amount above. This industry is notorious for underpaying. Speaking from personal experience I don't think they will budge on paying more. I recommend getting as much experience as you can in the meantime so you can get your licenses. Then from there you can move on and find a better firm.

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u/CluelessYoka 9h ago

Yeah at this point it seems getting the experience would be my best option. Kinda sucks the industry underpays tbh. Not looking to get crazy rich but at least enough to live comfortably.

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u/TheRedDevil1989 Funeral Director/Embalmer 18h ago

Late in the game? Many people chose this career after retiring from another. You have two months until you’re licensed then look nationwide for better pay.

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u/CluelessYoka 9h ago

I guess I should have been clearer, compared to my classmates I feel very left behind, took 2yrs after graduation to finally decide to take my exams. 

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u/NoAttention420 13h ago

Im in Texas not a licensed FD yet (start school in January). I get $23/hr plus $100 per removal. I help as a assistant crematory operator, assistant in the care center, funeral assistant basically everything in the place because I want to know as much as I can. Don't know if this helps but just throwing it out there

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u/CluelessYoka 9h ago

Does this pay allow you to live comfortably in your state? I'm starting to think I might be better off working in another state if so.