Becoming a Floral Designer in Pennsylvania
Floral design is a great opportunity for creative people with a love for bright blooms and plants and a passion for customer satisfaction.
While many florists start their careers by training on the job with an experienced floral designer, others may choose to enroll in a certificate course to boost their skills and find employment.
Education & Training
Education and Training
Entry-level floral design in PA typically only requires a high school diploma or GED for on-the-job training. However, community colleges and other educational institutions offer certificates and training for those looking to kick-start their careers.
What Courses Do You Take?
Floral design schools in Pennsylvania offer programs that usually cover some or all of the following topics:
- Basic floral design and terminology
- Care and conditioning methods for fresh flowers
- Design principles and elements
- Hand-tied bouquets
- Flower arrangements for weddings and celebrations
- Sympathy and funeral floral designs
- Advanced techniques, culture-specific designs, and current trends
Some community college programs include a capstone course for students pursuing certification in floral design.
Many school programs and education providers also work with the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), so their students are eligible to take an online exam and complete the hands-on Professional Floral Design Evaluation to become a Certified Floral Designer (CFD).
Those who wish to further their education might also consider an associate of applied science or bachelor’s degree in floriculture or floral design.
Floral designers interested in creating their own businesses or exploring horticulture topics in depth benefit most from these degrees.
Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania
While Pennsylvania does not require a license for florists, certification through a floral design school is a smart way to get into this field. CDF recipients also take continuing education courses to keep their skills and techniques up to date and can boost their careers through advanced certifications with the AIFD.
Job Description
Working with plants and flowers gives floral designers plenty of job opportunities. Some work for online floral delivery companies, while others work in local store departments or for florists that cater to weddings and other events.
Advanced training can also allow floral designers to open their own businesses or cultivate ornamental blossoms and plants to supply others in the industry.
What Do They Do?
Daily tasks for floral designers include preparing arrangements for various occasions, tying bows and ribbons using different techniques, cutting stems properly, and caring for and handling plants or flowers appropriately.
Those in the floral design trade also need to identify an array of flowers and plants, create complex arrangements, and understand which blooms work well together.
Customer service is also a key component for floral designers . From tight wedding schedules and demanding brides to grieving customers arranging funeral flowers, floral design clients often need to be handled with care.
Organizational skills are also crucial to ensure orders are completed and delivered on time for events.
Earnings for Floral Designers
The average annual salary for floral designers in PA is $33,270, although wages are often higher in popular cities. Philadelphia has the highest employment level in the state and averages about $17.53 per hour, which is more than the national average of $15.43.
Career Outlook
Demand for floral designers for weddings and other events will always be lucrative and competitive. However, floral design employment may decline by 20% by 2030 due to local florists widening their customer bases by filling orders for online flower delivery services.
Becoming a floral designer in Pennsylvania may lead creative, innovative job seekers into similar careers.
A floral design diploma or certification may inspire additional training or education in interior or graphic design or an event-related career such as makeup arts, baking and pastry arts, or wedding planning.
| Philadelphia | $37,918 |
| Pittsburgh | $36,183 |
| Allentown | $32,224 |
| Reading | $36,083 |
Whether you start by training on the job or attend a floral design school in PA, there are plenty of places to work and advance your career in this artistic trade. For those looking for an easy-entry job that’s rewarding and creative as well as customer-oriented, floral design is an excellent career prospect.