Job description
Floral designers cut and arrange live, dried and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays. They recommend arrangements and plants according to the customer's taste, occasion and budget. Floral designers answer phones, take orders and wrap arrangements for sale or delivery. They also buy flowers and plants from wholesalers and maintain the necessary inventory to meet customer demand.
Duties
- Discuss type of arrangement, occasion, price, time and place of delivery with clients
- Design arrangement according to client's wishes and to evoke a certain feeling, sentiment or style
- Take in-person, phone and internet orders
- Choose appropriate standard pattern for arrangement when required
- Select flowers and greenery according to design, quality and viability
- Trim flora and foliage and arrange into bouquets, wreaths and other items using appropriate supplies
- Cut and tie ribbons and bows, add decorative objects according to design
- Water plants and prepare flowers and foliage for proper storage
- Select and buy flowers and plants from wholesalers, maintain inventory to meet customer demand
- Create, maintain and change store and window displays to enhance shop's appearance and inspire sales
- Perform office and retail duties, including greeting customers, making sales and keeping financial records
- Instruct customers on proper care and handling of arrangements
- Decorate or supervise staff in decorating for weddings, parties and other events
- Wrap plants and arrangements for sale or delivery
- Deliver or supervise delivery of arrangements to homes, businesses and events
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
-14%
New jobs
-7.6k
Automation risk
4.7%
Career progression
Once you've mastered the basics of floral design, you will advance to tackling more complex arrangements. Additional experience leads to greater responsibility in design and administrative duties.
Floral designers who pursue further education in floral design and business can land a chief floral designer or supervisor position. You may also choose to own your own florist business.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Full Time
Nights, weekends, holidays occasionally
Many floral designers work full time, with independent shops typically open during normal business hours. Floral departments within grocery stores or other establishments may have longer hours, including weekends.
Floral designers are busier during holidays and wedding season. Since fresh arrangements cannot be made too far in advance, longer hours may be required. You may also find seasonal work as a floral designer during these hectic periods.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$19k
Median
$27k
Top 10%
$40k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
High school
On-the-job training
Study time
3 months
Many floral designers begin with only a high school diploma and receive a few months training on the job. Postsecondary programmes are available, with floral design diplomas and certificates typically earned in two years. Some institutions offer an associate's degree in related subjects.
The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) also offers a Certified Floral Designer (CFD) credential. Though not required, it helps confirm your design knowledge and work experience to prospective employers.
Sources
American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET OnLine Oxford Martin SchoolLast Updated: Wednesday, November 2, 2022
