Floral Designers

Career summary

#match with 4146; No alt titles, checked 2/24/15 lh

Floral designers who design for clients talk to them about what type of arrangement they want. Designers also discuss price, estimate costs, and write orders or contracts.

Designers select flowers, greenery, and decorations to be used in the arrangements. They cut and trim flowers and foliage and keep them fresh in treated water. They create bouquets, wreaths, or other types of arrangements as requested.

Designers use a variety of tools and materials to do their work. They use different kinds of knives and shears to produce the desired cut and shape. They hold and secure the flowers with:

• Foam
• Wire
• Tape
• All kinds of containers

Designers pack and wrap arrangements for sale or shipment. They deliver flowers or arrange for their delivery to events. They often decorate the hall, church, or other building where the event will be held.

Floral designers keep the shop and work rooms clean and organized. They may conduct classes or give demonstrations in floral design. They may supervise assistants or train other workers.

If designers are self-employed and own their own shop, they manage the business. They keep financial records and order flowers, plants, and other supplies. They may design window displays to attract customers to the shop. Sometimes they hold classes to teach customers how to arrange their own bouquets. They may grow their own flowers.

Related careers

This career is part of the Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Fashion Designers
• Interior Designers
• Meeting and Convention Planners
• Merchandise Displayers
• Professional Makeup Artists
• Retail Salespeople
• Wedding Planners

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to floral designers.

• Confer with clients about price and type of arrangements.
• Price flower arrangements, estimate other costs, and write orders or contracts.
• Select flowers, greenery, potted plants, and decorative items for arrangements.
• Plan arrangements according to clients' needs. Use knowledge of design and plants or select standard design pattern.
• Trim flowers and arrange bouquets and other items using trimmers, wire, foam, and other materials.
• Pack and wrap completed designs.
• Deliver arrangements and decorate halls, churches, and other buildings where events are held.
• Teach customers about proper care of flower arrangements and plants.
• Conduct classes and demonstrations, or train other workers.
• Water and care for plants. Trim and clean flowers and foliage for storage.
• Perform clerical duties, such as keeping financial records, answering phones, and ring up customers. Keep the shop clean and neat.
• May purchase flowers and other supplies from wholesalers and growers.
• May create window displays and designs to attract customers to the shop.

Common work activities

Floral designers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Think creatively
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Perform for or work with the public
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Document and record information
• Handle and move objects
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor and control resources
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Perform administrative tasks
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Use computers

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, floral designers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They work with clients and assistants on a daily basis.
• Communicate with customers and coworkers daily in person, e-mail, and by telephone. They communicate less often by letters and memos.
• Deal with unpleasant or angry people on a weekly basis. Clients may be unhappy with how floral arrangements were designed.
• Work in groups or as part of a team.
• Are responsible for work outcomes.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may on rare occasions work outdoors.
• Work close to coworkers and customers, usually within a few feet.
• Are sometimes exposed to situations where they might suffer minor cuts or scratches. Floral designers often handle sharp tools or flowers with thorns, such as roses.
• Often work in an enclosed vehicle, such as a delivery van.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details of the job are complete and accurate.
• Regularly make decisions that strongly impact coworkers and their employer's reputation. Florists may become well-known for a particular arranging style that suits a certain type of event (such as weddings or funerals).
• Make decisions that affect others on a daily basis. They rarely consult supervisors before making decisions about a particular floral arrangement.
• Are usually able to set most tasks and goals for the day without consulting a supervisor. This is because many arrangements are based on standard design patterns.
• Are moderately subject to job pressures. They abide by deadlines on a daily basis and can be very busy during the holiday season or when fulfilling a large order.
• Repeat the same physical activities, such as cutting, shaping, and tying.

Hours/travel

• Usually work about 40 hours a week. Some may work part time.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work overtime during holiday seasons or for special events.
• May work weekends.

Physical demands

Floral designers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.

It is important for floral designers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for floral designers to be able to:

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Floral designers need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.

Reason and problem solve

• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Floral Design

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Horticultural Science
• Ornamental Horticulture

Training

To work as a floral designer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most floral designers learn their skills on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is often the only educational requirement. However, formal training is an asset. Vocational and professional-technical schools offer programs in floral design. Most programs last less than a year. These types of programs award certificates of completion.

Community colleges offer programs in floral design. You earn an associate degree when you complete this two-year program. Colleges and universities offer programs in horticulture and floriculture. You receive a bachelor's degree when you complete these four-year programs.

Work experience

Working in a flower shop while in school is good experience. It is unlikely that you will get to work as a designer right away. However, working as a cashier or delivery person will expose you to the business.

On-the-job training

Learning on the job is a common way to enter this occupation. The length of training varies by employer, but may last up to one year. High school graduates with a creative flair and a desire to learn floral arranging usually can find work.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Horticulture
• Interior Design

Many floral designers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for trainees who have a flair for color and a desire to learn. Most employers require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. However, some employers prefer applicants who have formal training (up to a bachelor's degree) as floral designers.

Tips

Business courses, such as sales and accounting, are helpful, as well as plant identification courses. Look for training that involves hands-on work as well as instruction from a number of different designers. The busiest season, November through May, is when opportunities are best for students to get part-time work to gain experience.

Costs to workers

Workers under union contract must pay an initiation fee and regular dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Floral Designers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary according to the level of experience of the worker. Floral designers with more experience, or who manage the business, earn more. Wages also vary by area of the country. Wages tend to be higher on the East and West Coasts and in large urban areas.

Benefits vary by employer. Full-time floral designers may receive benefits such as paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 24% of floral designers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Flower shops
• Grocery store flower departments

National outlook

The outlook for jobs in floral design is declining. This is because people are spending less money on elaborate floral decorations. Instead, they are purchasing flower arrangements from mass merchandisers like grocery stores. These flower arrangements tend to be simpler than those from flower shops. This means they require fewer designers. However, some growth in this occupation will occur due to increases in the number of lavish weddings and other special events.

Despite employment declines, job openings will be created by people leaving the occupation. This is due to low wages and minimal opportunities for advancement.

Other resources

International Live Events Society 
330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60611
800.688.4737
312.321.6853

National Garden Clubs 
4401 Magnolia Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.776.7574

Society of American Florists 
1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 201
Alexandria, VA 22314
800.336.4743
703.836.8700

US Small Business Administration 
Seattle District Office
2401 Fourth Avenue, Suite 450
Seattle, WA 98121
206.553.7310

References

Career cluster

• Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communications

Career path

• Artistic

O*Net  occupation

• Floral Designers (27-1023.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Artificial-foliage Arranger (899.364-014) 
• Floral Designer (142.081-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Florist

Holland occupational cluster

• Artistic/Enterprising/Realistic

COPSystem

• Arts Skilled