IFDF Funeral Profession 2022 Series - Year-end Review of the Funeral Profession

Posted By: Colette Kemp Funeral Profession Blog,
Year-End Review of the Funeral Profession: 2022 and Beyond

 Coffin with flowers

(Photo Credit: Unsplash-Mayron Oliveira)


The funeral profession has evolved and adapted over the centuries, and 2022 is no different. With advancements in technology, the funeral profession is rapidly changing to keep up with the times. This blog post will review the funeral profession in 2022, exploring the new technologies, trends, and regulations that are shaping the future of the profession. We'll take a look at the changes that have been made in the past year and how they will affect the industry in the future. We'll also discuss how these changes will affect funeral professionals and how they can best prepare for the coming year.


Funeral Industry Statistics 2022

The funeral profession is an important sector of the global economy and is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. According to the latest 2022 funeral industry statistics, the global funeral services industry is estimated to be worth $100 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.7%. This growth is due to a number of factors, including an aging population, changing attitudes towards death, and the increasing demand for more personalized funerals. Additionally, the shift away from traditional funeral services to more personalized and unique services, such as virtual and green funerals, is expected to drive additional growth in the industry. With more people choosing to plan their own funerals, funeral professionals are likely to face increased competition for the services they provide.


In This Tight Labor Market, Interest In Funeral Services Work is Growing

As employers become increasingly desperate for workers in this tight labor market, the funeral profession is seeing an uptick in interest. The funeral industry is expected to grow, and employers are looking for qualified individuals with a passion for providing a meaningful service to grieving families. Funeral directors, embalmers, and morticians lead the way in providing a dignified, respectful experience for those who have lost a loved one. The profession also offers a variety of other job opportunities, including administrative, sales and marketing, and customer service positions. With an aging population and the increasing demand for funeral services, the funeral profession remained strong in 2022.


Employment Change, 2021-2031

The funeral profession is expected to experience employment changes in upcoming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the funeral profession will increase by 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, with an estimated total of 2,700 new jobs nationwide. This growth rate is slightly above the U.S. average for all occupations. The demand for funeral services is expected to remain steady due to the aging population and the increasing number of deaths due to Covid-19. Funeral professionals are expected to remain in high demand as they provide essential services to grieving families and help to memorialize the deceased in a meaningful way. Funeral professionals should be prepared to adapt to changing trends in the industry and to meet the demands of a changing customer base.


Graveside view of casket_mourners

(Photo Credit: Unsplash-Rhodi Lopez)


State & Area Data

The funeral profession is an important and invaluable one and the 2022 State & Area Data review is essential in understanding the current state of the profession. The review covers a range of data points, including employment, wages, and job outlook. It shows that employment in the funeral profession is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. This can be attributed to the increasing number of older adults and the subsequent increase in death rates. Wages have also grown over the past decade, with funeral directors making an average of $48,400 a year, and embalmers making an average of $44,000 a year. The job outlook is expected to remain positive over the next decade, and funeral professionals should expect to see a strong demand for their services.


Where is the funeral profession heading in 2023

The funeral profession is heading into a very interesting and important time. In the coming year, the funeral profession will be at the forefront of many important conversations and decisions. As more families are choosing cremation and direct burial services, funeral directors will need to be prepared to provide these services in a respectful and compassionate manner. As the industry is becoming more digital, funeral directors will need to be savvy in navigating online memorial services, social media, digital marketing, and other technologies. As the need for end-of-life planning grows, funeral directors will need to be knowledgeable in the legal and financial aspects of the profession. Finally, funeral directors will need to be prepared to work with families from all backgrounds and cultures, understanding the needs of each and providing a respectful and dignified service. In short, the funeral profession is headed for some exciting and challenging times in 2023.


Sources 

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/funeral-service-occupations.htm

https://www.natlawreview.com/article/tight-labor-market-interest-funeral-services-work-growing

https://www.amazon.com/Funeral-Service-Study-Guide-2022-2023/dp/1989726941

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/11/02/2022-23832/funeral-industry-practices-rule

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/10/ftc-seeks-improve-american-publics-access-funeral-service-prices-online