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.
$63,027
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $95,233 | $55,864 – $150,000 | 5 |
| Hawaii | $87,500 | $55,000 – $120,000 | 2 |
| Texas | $84,011 | $18 – $150,000 | 50 |
| New Mexico | $79,000 | $55,000 – $110,000 | 2 |
| Tennessee | $76,675 | $30,000 – $150,000 | 20 |
| Pinellas | $75,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | 1 |
| Louisiana | $75,000 | $50,000 – $100,000 | 1 |
| Nevada | $73,470 | $66,660 – $80,279 | 1 |
| South Carolina | $68,500 | $17,000 – $175,000 | 6 |
| Utah | $67,500 | $40,000 – $100,000 | 3 |
| Florida | $66,530 | $16 – $150,000 | 40 |
| Arizona | $66,348 | $18 – $100,000 | 13 |
| Iowa | $65,000 | $50,000 – $80,000 | 1 |
| New Jersey | $63,750 | $40,000 – $100,000 | 6 |
| Wisconsin | $63,636 | $40,000 – $100,000 | 11 |
| Indiana | $62,656 | $35,000 – $100,000 | 18 |
| Georgia | $62,323 | $16 – $200,000 | 14 |
| Missouri | $62,143 | $35,000 – $100,000 | 7 |
| Ohio | $61,735 | $30,000 – $125,000 | 22 |
| Maryland | $61,491 | $45,000 – $100,000 | 5 |
| Minnesota | $61,000 | $50,000 – $80,000 | 5 |
| Arkansas | $60,000 | $40,000 – $90,000 | 3 |
| Oregon | $60,000 | $45,000 – $75,000 | 1 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,844 | $40,000 – $175,000 | 32 |
| Oklahoma | $58,571 | $30,000 – $100,000 | 7 |
| Kentucky | $57,323 | $16 – $105,000 | 14 |
| Washington | $56,670 | $20 – $100,000 | 6 |
| North Carolina | $55,652 | $25,000 – $100,000 | 23 |
| Alabama | $53,768 | $15 – $100,000 | 11 |
| Michigan | $53,649 | $15 – $100,000 | 26 |
| West Virginia | $53,636 | $40,000 – $90,000 | 11 |
| Illinois | $52,253 | $16 – $100,000 | 13 |
| Virginia | $52,166 | $39,235 – $100,000 | 18 |
| Mississippi | $50,000 | $40,000 – $60,000 | 1 |
| Kansas | $47,500 | $30,000 – $70,000 | 2 |
| California | $45,356 | $1 – $150,000 | 23 |
| Colorado | $33,338 | $14 – $65,000 | 3 |
| Maine | $23 | $20 – $25 | 1 |
| Winnebago | $15 | $15 – $15 | 1 |