Information on Retail Florist Careers & Occupations

by Jennifer DeDonato

Overview

Florists do more than just put flowers in vases.

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Florists are designers who take flowers and plants and make them into specialty arrangements.
Job Description

Florists or floral designers arrange fresh, dried or silk flowers and plants into bouquets or displays for customers. They use vases, ribbon, wreaths and other materials to create their designs.

Occasions

Florists typically create arrangements, corsages,or bouquets for weddings, funerals, holidays, parties or to send to patients in hospitals.
Customers

Florists work with customers, who will specify the occasion, price range, flower preferences and delivery details of the order. Some floral shops have arrangements that can be purchased immediately.
Education and Skills

Florists are not required to have a specific degree, although formal knowledge of agriculture, botany and business is recommended. Florists must be creative, independent, flexible and have customer service skills.
Employment

Most florists work in specialty flower shops or floral departments at grocery stores. The average annual salary of a florist is around $22,000.
Working Conditions

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about one third of florists are self-employed. They typically work weekend hours because that is when most events occur.

Overview