How to Become a Florist

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Millions of people send floral arrangements to friends and family on a daily basis for a variety of different reasons. Creative professionals are needed to create these arrangements. Florists are flower experts that help customers select the perfect floral arrangement for a variety of reasons.

What does a florist do?

Florists cut and arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and other greenery to arrange them into a variety of different displays. They choose the size, shape, and style of flowers and the accessories to add to the arrangements. They arrange the flowers into bouquets, centerpieces, corsages, wreaths, and other displays for weddings, funerals, births, holidays, and many other occasions. They use many different containers, ribbons, bows, baskets, balloons, and other items to accent their creations.

Florists often meet with customers to discuss the needs of orders. They take note of the occasion and the preferences of the customer and give a price and time of when the order will be ready and set up delivery services. Florists typically have arrangements displayed in the store for customers who walk-in and need to purchase immediately.

What kind of training does a florist need?

Florists need at least a high school diploma and most florists learn their skills on the job. Some florists earn floral design certifications through community colleges, vocational schools, or private floral schools. These programs teach courses on floral trends, the basics of flower arrangements, different types of flowers, proper handling and care of flowers, cutting and taping methods, color and texture, tying ribbons and bows, and pricing. Some florists have associate or bachelor degrees in floral design, horticulture, or floriculture.

Florists can become certified by taking the American Institute of Floral Designers examination. The exam includes a written part on floral terminology and a floral arranging part where candidates have to complete 5 floral designs in 4 hours.

What are the prospects for a career as a florist?

Employment of florists is projected to decline moderately, decreasing 9% from 2006 to 2016 (1). Despite the decline the demand for floral services will continue to grow.

Even with the projected decline, job prospects are expected to be good due to the need to replace florists who leave the profession. Opportunities will be the best in Internet floral and grocery store shops.

How much do florists make?

As of September 2009, florists with 1 to 4 years experience earned annual salaries between $24,502 and $29,504. Florists with 5 to 9 years experience earned annual salaries between $23,609 and $36,600 (2).

A career as a florist is a great choice for individuals with a passion for creating floral arrangements. Florists must have excellent customer service and be service oriented. Creativity and ability to express ideas clearly and visually are essential. Florist must be able to adapt to quickly changing trends and be able to work under pressure. Self-discipline, problem-solving skills, and time management are also desirable qualities.

Now what? The next step is easy!

Take the first step today and request free information from our selected top online arts and design schools, or simply use the form below to find the program that is right for you!

(1) SOURCE: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition
(2) SOURCE: Payscale.com, Salary Survey Report