Florist Careers Information
Florists specialize in the art of arranging flowers and plants for bouquets or displays. Also know as floral designers, they choose, cut, and assemble the flowers into arrangements of varying shapes and designs.
The florists’ responsibilities vary depending on employment size and setting. Florist careers in small, independent floral shops may specialize in custom orders for special occasions, exotic flowers, or interior designs.
Florist Careers & Degrees
- Colorado Technical University - Undergraduate: Undergraduate - Online
- B.S. in Accounting
- B.S. in Business Administration - Finance
- B.S. in Business Administration - Human Resource Management
- B.S. in Business Administration - International Business
American Intercontinental University: Online
At larger shops like grocery stores, floral designers may specialize in creating prearranged bouquets and decorations for walk-in customers, and Internet orders.
Florist Careers Path
Though most florists have a high school diploma or equivalent, there are no strict requirements for beginning a career in floristry.
Some receive associate’s or bachelor’s degrees from schools offering programs in floral design or horticulture, and many vocational and floral schools offer certification programs. Although neither is required, these degree programs can give you the knowledge you need to start your career.
Many floral designers own their own businesses, so for those interested, a bachelor’s degree or additional courses in business, management, or accounting would be beneficial.
Florist Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Creative, design-oriented, patient, great communication and customer service skills
Florist Careers: Salary Expectations
The average annual wages for floral designers in May 2009 were $23,530. There were 51,470 florists employed, and the middle 50 percent earned between $18,960 and $29,600. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $16,480, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $36,080. Median annual wages for florists were $26,290 in grocery stores and $24,590 in florists’ shops.
Job Outlook for Florists
Employment rates for floral designers are expected to decrease by 3 percent over the 2008-2018 decade. The predicted decline will be a result of a lack of demand for floral designers. People will still be buying fresh flowers, but as grocery stores continue to offer lower prices and convenience, small independent shops will be forced to close.
Nonetheless, employment opportunities should be good as people are constantly retiring from the field, or leaving for higher paying jobs. Grocery stores will continue to employ the most florists, and Internet floral shops should provide opportunities as they begin to grow in popularity.
Slightly Off the Footpath
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://bls.gov/oco/ocos292.htm (visited November 8, 2011).
