How to Become a Floral Designer in Alabama

Floral designers create beauty using flowers, plants, and other natural materials.

Their arrangements bring happiness or commemorate an event.

Alabama does not require floral designers to be licensed.

But as an independent florist and state business, there are numerous permits for the wholesale and retail flower industries.

So, depending on your position, you may need one or more state permits to work with flowers.

The path to floral design is straightforward: education, some form of national certificate, training, and experience.

Some employers hire someone who has completed a floral training program.

In contrast, others choose to train employees in their style.

In addition to online programs, several schools in Alabama offer floral design education.

Additional workshops are available from associations, florist shops, day events, and online.

So, if you have a passion for flowers and a creative eye, floral design can be a rewarding and creative career in Alabama.

Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Alabama

For those who envision a future working with flowers, here are some steps you can take to become a floral designer in Alabama.

1. Research floral design: Learn about the floral industry, design types, and the job outlook in Alabama.
2. Understand the minimum education requirements: Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for floral designer positions. Additionally, some floral design courses require a high school diploma for admittance or to sit for the certification exam.
3. Learn the basics: Alabama does not license or regulate floral designers, so look for a training program that provides essential information. These certifications teach you various skills and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Consider basic business skills to complement your floral Design coursework. It is estimated that 20% of floral designers have business education or degrees.
4. Earn a national certificate:  The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) offers the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation recognized throughout the United States.
5. Seek out experience: Design takes practice—intern or volunteer in a flower shop, grocery store, greenhouse, or nursery.
6. Create a design portfolio: Gather your best floral designs in a photographic or digital portfolio – highlighting your niche and skills.
7. Understand flower trends: Attend workshops, conferences, and other events to learn about new techniques and styles in the floral industry.

Floral Designer Programs and Classes

Completing a floral design class provides an educational background and engenders confidence.

It is also beneficial if you plan to work independently. Depending on your initial career choice, here are some Alabama classes to help get you started.

University of North Alabama

This highly regarded course in floral design teaches the fundamentals.

The course is designed for beginners, focusing on flowers, flower arranging, and design principles. It also provides internship opportunities.

It is organized online as a 240-hour, six-month program that costs $1,695.00.

The multi-module class starts at registration, and payment plans are available.

CeCe Designs

This well-established florist and designer also provide a membership-driven, continuing education floral community in Birmingham.

Seasonal workshops help advance skills and business knowledge.

The workshops cover everything from floral and event design to social media.

The starting price is $1,800.

Floral Designer Schools in Alabama – Summary Table

Salary

Working in Alabama as a floral designer is competitive.

Floral designers work in local supermarkets, hotels, wedding studios, funeral homes, floral design studios, gardens, and greenhouses.

Floral designers can also start a freelancing business.

Floral design is a well-paying career in Alabama.

The major Alabama cities of Auburn, Birmingham, Mobile, and Montgomery have some of the highest-paid floral designer positions in the state.

Approximately 760 floral designers work in the state, but the numbers are expected to decrease slightly by 8% by 2026.

Data from 2023, reports that Alabama floral designers earn a minimum wage of $15.69 per hour vs. the national average of $15.43.

The average salary for a floral designer in the state hovered around $50,978, ranging from $ 32,649 to $71,288 annually.

Regional Salary in Alabama

Floral Design by State