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Preneed Counselor information

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$6

$14

$22

How much do preneed counselor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for preneed counselor in the United States is $14.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.02 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Preneed Counselors, and how can they be overcome?

Preneed Counselors often encounter challenges such as addressing sensitive topics like end-of-life planning and building trust with clients during emotional conversations. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to listen and respond thoughtfully to clients’ concerns. Counselors benefit from ongoing training in grief support and sales techniques, as well as collaborating closely with funeral directors and administrative staff to ensure clients receive comprehensive guidance and care. Proactively educating families about the benefits of preplanning can also help ease discomfort and foster positive client relationships.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Preneed Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preneed Counselor, you need a solid understanding of funeral planning, sales techniques, and relevant state licensing or certifications. Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) software and funeral home management systems is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to handle sensitive conversations help counselors build trust with clients during emotional times. These competencies are crucial for guiding families through pre-arrangement decisions and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards.

What are preneed counselors?

Preneed counselors are professionals who assist individuals and families in planning and arranging funeral services and related products in advance of need. Their main role is to provide information about prearranged funeral plans, help clients make informed decisions, and complete necessary documentation. Preneed counselors often work for funeral homes or cemetery organizations and are skilled in discussing sensitive topics with compassion and care. By planning ahead, clients can ease the emotional and financial burden on their loved ones when the time comes.

What is the difference between Preneed Counselor vs Funeral Director?

AspectPreneed CounselorFuneral Director
CredentialsLicensing, certification in preplanningLicensing, funeral service license
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, client consultationsFuneral homes, on-site arrangements
Employer & IndustryFuneral homes, preplanning servicesFuneral homes, mortuaries
Common Search IntentPreplanning, end-of-life arrangementsFuneral arrangements, service coordination

While both roles are involved in funeral services, a Preneed Counselor primarily focuses on preplanning and selling prearranged funeral plans, often working in an office setting. A Funeral Director manages the entire funeral process, including arrangements, coordination, and on-site services. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right professional for their needs.

More about Preneed Counselor jobs
What job categories do people searching Preneed Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Preneed Counselor jobs are:
Preneed Counselor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preneed Counselor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $31,158 per year, or $15 per hour.

PrePlanning Counselor - Holy Cross Mortuary (Culver City)

Archdiocese of LA

Culver City, CA • On-site

$22.25 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Location: Holy Cross Mortuary - Culver City

Status: Non - Exempt, Full Time

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Preplanning Team Manager, the Preplanning Counselor provides preneed information and assistance to cemetery and mortuary patrons. In addition to the sales duties, this position may perform various services and client relations activities, while establishing and maintaining effective communication of efforts with CCM management, CCM office administrative staff and parish priests.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Because all Archdiocesan employees represent the Roman Catholic Church, they are expected to conduct themselves according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their work.

  • Achieve sales goals and objectives in relation to preneed transactions to be conducted at the Archdiocesan Catholic Cemeteries and Mortuaries.
  • Sells cemetery and mortuary products and services in accordance with established sales objectives and procedures. Transactions are preneed only.
  • Completes contracts and other documents as required to provide sales and customer service in accordance with the policies of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and based on the funding mechanism utilized (cash or installment sales).
  • Provides the patron services in support of the primary sales responsibility. Answers questions, escorts visitors, research client family files and records and assist client families as needed.
  • Developing sales leads through personal contacts, telephone solicitation activity and group marketing activities such as parish outreach programs. Enters, records, and updates, all sales leads and the progress of their relationships with patrons in the CRM.
  • Sets appointments and make presentations at Archdiocesan cemetery and mortuary locations and occasionally in prospective patron family homes in accordance with the goals established by executive management.
  • Whenever practical, attend visitation or interment services of client families. Expresses personal interest and concern for the family and strengthens relationships for follow-up calls and appointments with extended family, friends and associates directed to preneed sales presentations.
  • Participation in meetings and group activities as directed. When necessary, adhere to the Performance Review Program and its requirements when performing below minimum production levels.
  • Maintains records of personal sales activities and performance results in the manner prescribed by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
  • Refers to the next level of management, any deviation from prescribed policies or procedures including, but not limited to prices, credits, discounts, contract terms and conditions of sale.
  • Addresses and resolve customer service issues in a timely manner.
  • In addition to the sales duties, this position may perform various services and client relations activities.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALFICATIONS

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, typically:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Active member of a Roman Catholic faith community.
  • Previous preplanning sales experience or at least 1-year sales related experience.
  • Valid Driver's License, good driving record and automobile insurance.
  • Ability to travel to local sites for meetings and appointments to make presentations in client homes.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ablitites

Knowledge of:

  • Christian Burial in the Catholic Church.
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
  • Providing excellent customer service skills by responding to common inquiries or complaints from customers, co-workers or members of the business community.

Skills in:

  • Interpersonal: including tact, patience and diplomacy.
  • CRM or Salesforce experience.
  • Calculating figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, proportions and percentages and to apply concepts of basic mathematics.
  • Data entry and reconciliation techniques.

Ability to:

  • Express or exchange information by means of the spoken word.
  • Concentrate and complete moderately complex forms.
  • Follow multiple pending requests through to completion.
  • Organize and coordinate projects.
  • Work independently with initiative and little supervision.
  • Maintain confidentiality.
  • Communicate effectively in written and oral form.
  • Develop and maintain effective working relationship.
  • Read and interpret CCM policies, procedures, contracts and customer files such as interment right records.
  • Effectively present information to patron family members, co-workers and management.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

  • Occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
  • Sit for sustained periods of time on daily basis.
  • Perform tasks requiring intermittent bending, stooping, and walking.
  • Sustain frequent movement of the fingers, wrists, hands and arms.

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