Career prospects in the funeral industry: how to become a death professional?

Becoming a death professional may not come to mind when you’re asked what your dream job is. Yet the funeral industry offers many exciting and rewarding career opportunities, which go far beyond simply managing funerals. The Death Chronicles team invites you to discover the different facets of this little-known sector and how you can make your mark.

Little-known professions in the funeral industry

When you think of jobs in the funeral industry, the first that springs to mind is undoubtedly that of funeral director. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The funeral industry offers a multitude of professions, each with its own specificities and requirements.

These include thanatopractor, who is responsible for preparing the body of the deceased for display at the funeral. This profession requires specific training, as well as great respect for the deceased and empathy for his or her family.

Another important profession in this industry is that of funeral advisor. This professional assists families with the organization of the funeral, from finding the right place for the ceremony to managing the administrative formalities. They are also often involved in negotiating funeral contracts.

Training to work in the funeral industry

Training is a key step to entering the funeral industry. In France, there are a number of specialized establishments offering courses tailored to each profession in the funeral industry.

To become a thanatopractor, for example, you’ll need to follow a specific training program, which includes both theoretical and practical courses. It’s a profession that requires great precision and manual dexterity, as well as a good knowledge of human anatomy.

If you want to work as a funeral consultant, you’ll need a different kind of training, one that emphasizes management and communication skills. In addition, you’ll need to learn how to manage your emotions, as you’ll often be confronted with difficult situations.

The day-to-day work of a Paris funeral professional

Working in the funeral industry in Paris means finding yourself at the heart of an intense and varied activity. As a thanatopractor, for example, you’ll be required to travel to different locations, such as hospitals, retirement homes or the homes of the deceased.

As a funeral consultant, your daily routine will be punctuated by meetings with bereaved families, discussions with various service providers (florists, marble masons, etc.) and administrative formalities.

Salary in the funeral industry

Salary is an important aspect to consider when contemplating a career in the funeral industry. It varies according to a number of factors, including the profession, experience and location.

On average, a thanatopractor in Paris can earn between 2,000 and 3,000 euros net per month. A funeral consultant, on the other hand, can earn between 1800 and 2500 euros net per month.

The future of the funeral industry

The funeral industry is in a state of flux. With an aging population and an increasing number of deaths, the demand for funeral services is constantly on the rise.

What’s more, families’ expectations are changing. They are increasingly looking for personalized services that respect the deceased’s last wishes. Professionals in the sector must therefore demonstrate creativity and empathy to meet these demands.

Finally, technology is playing an increasingly important role in this sector. From online funeral broadcasting to the creation of interactive funeral monuments, the funeral industry is modernizing to adapt to new trends.

Legislative aspects of the funeral industry

The funeral industry, like any other field, is subject to strict regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure respect for the dignity of the deceased and their heirs, as well as the smooth running of post-mortem operations.

To work in the funeral industry, you need to understand these legislative aspects. For example, it is important to know that the funeral operator must be in possession of an authorization issued by the prefecture in order to carry out his activity. This authorization is subject to precise criteria, such as staff training and the quality of premises.

The funeral professional must also comply with the provisions of the contract. This contract, signed between the deceased during his lifetime and the funeral operator, specifies the wishes of the deceased concerning the organization of his funeral. It can include very specific instructions, such as the choice of coffin, burial site, choice of flowers, and so on.

Funeral professionals must also respect intellectual property rules. For example, they may not use the name or image of a deceased person without the consent of the beneficiaries. They must also respect copyright when broadcasting music or texts during funeral ceremonies.

New professions in the funeral industry

The funeral industry is constantly evolving. New professions are emerging to meet the specific demands of bereaved families. One of these new professions is that of master of ceremonies.

The master of ceremonies is a person who takes part in the funeral ceremony to ensure that it runs smoothly. He or she may be someone close to the deceased, or an outsider hired by the family. The master of ceremonies may deliver speeches, read texts, coordinate the work of the various participants, and so on.

Another emerging profession in the funeral industry is that of funeral ritual advisor. This professional assists families in setting up specific rituals, while respecting the beliefs and values of the deceased and his or her family.

What’s more, with the evolution of technology, new professions are emerging, such as that of online funeral service designer.