Floral Designers
Floral designers create arrangements using live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage for events, retail shops, and special occasions. They select materials, cut stems, and arrange pieces into designs. Most floral designers work in florist shops, garden centers, or event venues, though some are self-employed.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against floral designers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with clients to discuss arrangement designs and occasions, selecting flowers from inventory or suppliers, and spending significant time cutting, stripping foliage, and arranging flowers in containers. Designers may prepare standing arrangements for retail display, create custom bouquets for orders, or design large installations for weddings and events. Tasks vary between detail-oriented design work and customer interaction.
Who this work suits
Holland code RAC. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this work if you have a strong artistic eye for color, form, and composition, combined with a realistic approach to client needs and practical constraints. People who succeed here tend to enjoy hands-on creative work and take satisfaction in producing tangible, beautiful results for others.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $38,860 | $48,130 | $50,170 | 80 |
| California | $39,540 | $47,040 | $50,910 | 4,080 |
| Massachusetts | $39,400 | $46,460 | $54,450 | 870 |
| Hawaii | $36,750 | $46,170 | $52,570 | 380 |
| Colorado | $37,460 | $45,380 | $50,150 | 790 |
| New York | $37,070 | $45,260 | $48,710 | 2,330 |
| New Jersey | $38,390 | $45,190 | $46,550 | 1,020 |
| Oregon | $37,630 | $44,730 | $47,420 | 710 |
| Vermont | $35,320 | $44,720 | $46,590 | 110 |
| Washington | $40,480 | $44,460 | $48,810 | 910 |
| New Hampshire | $38,340 | $43,230 | $45,950 | 220 |
| District of Columbia | $37,060 | $42,950 | $46,950 | 70 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Floral Designer (CFD) — American Institute of Floral Designers
- Certified Floral Evaluator/Judge — American Institute of Floral Designers
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against floral designers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 27-1023.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.