Funeral Service and Mortuary Science at Piedmont Technical College

Graduates of the Funeral Service and Mortuary Science program at Piedmont Technical College can expect a solid earnings trajectory. Median earnings one year after graduation stand at $43,691, increasing to $51,657 five years later, and reaching $59,253 after ten years. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equivalent nationally is approximately $54,261.55, indicating that graduates can maintain a competitive standard of living despite regional cost-of-living differences, as South Carolina's cost of living index is 0.952 compared to the national average.

The majority of graduates find employment in the Health Care & Social Assistance sector, with 55.5% entering this field, followed by 32.9% and 29.2% in similar roles. The estimated break-even point compared to a high school-only path is approximately 11.2 years, suggesting that while the initial investment in education may take over a decade to recoup, the long-term return on investment appears favorable. Overall, the combination of steady earnings growth and strong industry demand positions this career path as a viable option for prospective students.