Pre-Need Sales Counselor Salary Guide 2026
Pre-need sales counselors help families plan funeral arrangements in advance. Compensation often includes base salary plus commission.
$62,410
National Average
$30,000
Entry Level
$90,000
Top Earners
Pre-need sales is one of the higher-earning roles in the funeral industry, with top performers earning $70,000–$90,000+ through a combination of base salary and commissions.
Base salaries typically range from $30,000–$45,000, with commissions adding $10,000–$45,000 depending on performance. Some corporate funeral homes offer guaranteed draws against commission.
Success in pre-need sales requires strong interpersonal skills, community involvement, and the ability to discuss sensitive topics with empathy. Many states require a pre-need or insurance license.
Pre-Need Sales Counselor Salary by State
| State | Average Salary | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $87,500 | $55,000 – $120,000 | 2 |
| Texas | $83,735 | $18 – $150,000 | 47 |
| South Carolina | $75,625 | $50,000 – $175,000 | 4 |
| Tennessee | $75,375 | $30,000 – $150,000 | 16 |
| Pinellas | $75,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | 1 |
| Louisiana | $75,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | 1 |
| Florida | $68,168 | $16 – $150,000 | 28 |
| Utah | $67,500 | $40,000 – $100,000 | 3 |
| Arizona | $65,627 | $18 – $100,000 | 12 |
| Iowa | $65,000 | $50,000 – $80,000 | 1 |
| Maryland | $64,364 | $50,000 – $100,000 | 4 |
| Wisconsin | $63,636 | $40,000 – $100,000 | 11 |
| Ohio | $62,534 | $30,000 – $125,000 | 20 |
| Arkansas | $62,500 | $40,000 – $90,000 | 2 |
| Oklahoma | $62,500 | $30,000 – $100,000 | 6 |
| US | $61,571 | $55,864 – $67,278 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,962 | $40,000 – $175,000 | 26 |
| Indiana | $60,523 | $35,000 – $100,000 | 12 |
| Oregon | $60,000 | $45,000 – $75,000 | 1 |
| Minnesota | $58,750 | $50,000 – $80,000 | 4 |
| New Mexico | $58,000 | $55,000 – $61,000 | 1 |
| Missouri | $57,917 | $35,000 – $100,000 | 6 |
| Washington | $56,670 | $20 – $100,000 | 6 |
| Georgia | $56,540 | $16 – $100,000 | 13 |
| West Virginia | $55,556 | $40,000 – $90,000 | 9 |
| North Carolina | $54,375 | $35,000 – $90,000 | 16 |
| Kentucky | $54,320 | $16 – $80,000 | 11 |
| Alabama | $54,144 | $15 – $100,000 | 10 |
| Michigan | $53,908 | $15 – $100,000 | 23 |
| Illinois | $52,677 | $16 – $100,000 | 10 |
| Virginia | $51,653 | $39,235 – $100,000 | 13 |
| New Jersey | $51,250 | $40,000 – $65,000 | 2 |
| Kansas | $47,500 | $30,000 – $70,000 | 2 |
| California | $40,560 | $16 – $150,000 | 19 |
| Colorado | $33,338 | $14 – $65,000 | 3 |
| Maine | $23 | $20 – $25 | 1 |
| Winnebago | $15 | $15 – $15 | 1 |