Florist

Your Fit

Income

$40K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-18.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Florist?

A Florist is a professional who arranges and sells flowers and ornamental plants. They combine creativity and knowledge of plants to design floral displays for various occasions.

Sample job titles:

Designer, Floral Clerk, Floral Designer, Florist

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Florist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Florist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Florist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$31K per year	$33K per year	$40K per year	$48K per year	$58K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $26K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Florist do?

Work environment

Florists typically work in flower shops, greenhouses, or floral departments within larger stores. The environment can be fragrant and aesthetically pleasing but may also require long hours of standing and exposure to allergens like pollen. Work hours can vary, with increased demand during holidays and special events.

Quick task list

Arranges fresh, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Advises customers on floral design and plant care.
Manages flower inventory, including ordering and care.
Sets up displays for weddings, funerals, and other events.
Maintains cleanliness and appearance of the shop or work area.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Wedding Floristry: Specializing in creating floral arrangements specifically for weddings.
Sympathy Floristry: Focusing on arrangements for funerals and memorials.
Event Floristry: Designing and setting up floral displays for various events.
Retail Floristry: Working in a shop setting and providing a wide range of floral services.
Corporate Floristry: Creating arrangements for businesses and regular clients.

Description

Florists blend artistic ability with knowledge of flowers and plants to create appealing arrangements. They must understand elements of color, design, and texture, and be knowledgeable about different types of flowers and their care. Florists often consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences, making customer service skills essential.

This occupation requires creativity, as well as practical skills like cutting, trimming, and arranging flowers. Florists must also manage business-related tasks such as ordering supplies, pricing arrangements, and managing inventory. During busy periods, such as holidays or wedding seasons, florists often work long hours to meet customer demand.

A career as a florist can be highly rewarding for those with a passion for flowers and design. It offers an opportunity to brighten people's lives with beautiful creations and to work in a visually pleasing and fragrant environment.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Creating beautiful and artistic floral designs.
Working with a variety of flowers and plants.
Bringing joy and comfort to customers through floral arrangements.

You might make a good Florist if you are...

Creative with a keen eye for color and design.
Passionate about flowers and horticulture.
Good at customer service and understanding clients' needs.
Able to work efficiently under pressure, particularly during busy seasons.
Interested in combining artistic skills with practical business management.

Pros:

Creative and fulfilling work.
Opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurial ventures.
Interaction with a variety of customers and occasions.

Cons:

Potentially long hours, especially around holidays and event seasons.
Physical work that may include standing for long periods and handling heavy containers.
Allergen exposure and working in various temperature conditions.

How to become a Florist

Typical education

Formal education is not strictly required; most skills are learned on the job. However, some florists pursue formal training through vocational courses or associate degrees in floral design or horticulture.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and design classes to develop a sense of aesthetics.
Business studies to understand the basics of running a small business.
Biology or horticulture to learn about plant care.
Home economics for skills in crafting and working with different materials.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining gardening clubs or participating in horticulture projects.
Volunteering at local flower shops or botanical gardens.
Developing a personal portfolio of designs and arrangements.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a floral design program or vocational training.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in flower shops.
Consider certification from organizations like the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).
Build a network with suppliers and learn about various types of flowers and plants.
Stay updated with trends in floral design and event planning.

More resources

American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) - Offers education and certification for florists.
Florists' Review - A magazine providing industry news and design ideas.
Society of American Florists (SAF) - Provides business resources and advocacy for the floral industry.
Floral Design Institute - Offers classes and training in floral design.
Flower School - Provides a variety of courses for aspiring florists.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.