Floral Designer
Description OES Code: 0000F
Design or arrange flowers and other materials to achieve artistic or decorative effects for apparel or other commercial items.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $7.65
25th Percentile $8.52
50th Percentile $10.61
75th Percentile $13.31

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $10.17
25th Percentile $11.15
50th Percentile $12.05
75th Percentile $13.02

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
Floral designers usually work regular hours in a pleasant work environment, except during holidays when overtime usually is required.

Employment Trends, California
(For Designers other than Interior Designers)
Employment 1998 22,800
Projected Employment 2008 31,100
Percent Change 1998-2008 36.4%
Separations 1998-2008 3,900

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 x
Projected Employment 2006 x
Percent Change 1999-2006 x
Separations 1999-2006 x

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Most floral designers work for retail flower shops or in floral departments located inside grocery and department stores.

Advancement
Floral designers may advance to the chief floral designer level. Experienced designers in large firms may also advance to design department head, or to other supervisory positions. Some designers become teachers in design schools and colleges and universities. Some experienced designers open their own firms.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Most opportunities for employment as a floral designer exist in retail flower shops or in floral departments located inside grocery and department stores. A good portfolio (a collection of examples of a person's best work) is often the deciding factor in getting a job.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Education and Training
In contrast to the other design occupations, a high school diploma ordinarily suffices for floral design jobs. Most floral designers learn their skills on the job. When employers hire trainees, they generally look for high school graduates who have a flair for color and a desire to learn. Completion of formal training, however, is an asset for floral designers, particularly for advancement to the chief floral designer level. Vocational and technical schools offer programs in floral design, usually lasting less than a year, while 2- and 4- year programs in floriculture, horticulture, floral design, or ornamental horticulture are offered by community and junior colleges, 4-year colleges and universities.

Skills & Other Requirements
Creativity is crucial in all design occupations. People in this field must have a strong sense of the aesthetic-- an eye for color and detail, a sense of balance and proportion, and an appreciation for beauty. Sketching ability is helpful for most designers. Individuals in the design field must be creative, imaginative, persistent, and able to communicate their ideas in writing, visually, or verbally. Problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure are important traits.

References
Us Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Related Occupations: Commercial Artists, #4, Fashion Designers, #185

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)