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Floral designing can be a fun and rewarding job for people who love flowers, plants, and love making the world a more beautiful place.
A floral designer’s many tasks include cutting, arranging, and caring for flowers, foliage, and plants.
They also meet with clients, give design suggestions, order and purchase flora, and even deliver and set up displays.
Connecticut, in particular, is a great place to display floral design skills.
There are many opportunities to create arrangements for events like weddings, graduations,
Sweet 16 parties, and anniversary celebrations.
It’s also one of the few states where the need for this occupation.
If you’re interested in becoming a floral designer in Connecticut, read on for some useful information.
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Steps To Becoming A Floral Designer In Connecticut
The state of Connecticut does not require floral designers to be regulated by licensing or certification.
Most employers for this position do not require any degree or special certifications.
However, it’s always helpful to have as much knowledge and skills as possible when applying for, or working as a floral designer.
The following steps can help you achieve optimum results when becoming a floral designer.
- Get your high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for a job at a flower shop, nursery, or garden center. Here you can learn the basics and gain on-the-job training.
- Take classes at a local college, community center, or shop. Many colleges offer certificate programs that will provide you with great skills and looks great on a resume.
- Take the AIFD Certified Floral Designer exam. Currently, no schools offer the test, but you can take the written exam online and complete the hands-on design portion at a designated location. The total cost of the exam is $1,700. This is not required, however, it will make you stand out as a floral designer and put you in the prestigious directory of certified floral designers.
Schools/Programs That Offer Classes/Programs For Floral Design In Connecticut
1. Darien Community Association
The Darien Community Association was founded in 1923 as a gathering place for residents to learn, grow and congregate.
The association holds several floral design workshops throughout the year.
Participants pay a nominal fee for materials and will learn floral design essentials like proper stem cutting, vase arrangements, making wreaths from fresh and dried flowers, and more.
Address: 374 Middlesex Rd. Darien, CT 06820
Phone: (203) 655-9050
Website: https://dariendca.org
2. College And Career Readiness
The College And Career Readiness program helps adults of all ages achieve the skills needed to enter the workforce.
They offer GED and citizenship classes to anyone interested.
They offer floral design classes to both trade professionals and hobbyists.
Students can learn about cutting stems and the use of equipment to arrange small table decor and vases, to larger scale bouquets and displays for weddings and other celebrations.
Address: 191 Pratt St. Meriden, CT 06450
Phone: (203) 237-0692
Website: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/Services/Families-and-Community/College-and-Career-Readiness
3. Naugatuck Valley Community College
This 2-year, associate degree awarding school also offers certificates for non-degree programs.
They are accredited by the Connecticut Board of Regents for the state of Connecticut.
As part of the PACT program, the school offers free tuition to county residents.
The horticulture program at the school can help floral designers understand different flowers and plants, what they need to survive, how they grow best etc.
The course teaches students how to properly care for plant life and how to cut and keep them healthy.
Address: 750 Chase Parkway Waterbury, CT 06708
Phone: (203) 575-8000
Website: https://nv.edu
Floral Designer Schools in Connecticut – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Darien Community Association | 374 Middlesex Rd. Darien, CT 06820 |
| College And Career Readiness | 191 Pratt St. Meriden, CT 06450 |
| Naugatuck Valley Community College | 750 Chase Parkway Waterbury, CT 06708 |
Salary For Floral Designers In Connecticut
The average salary for a floral designer in Connecticut is $40,800 per year.
Though some reported salaries are as low as $32,000 and as high as $64,000 per year.
It all depends on where the designer works, how experienced they are, and their reputation.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $61,805 |
| New Haven | $58,960 |
| Hartford | $58,911 |
| Stamford | $62,608 |
| Waterbury | $58,650 |
| Norwalk | $62,608 |
| Danbury | $60,399 |
| New Britain | $58,759 |
| West Hartford | $58,911 |
| Greenwich | $62,608 |
Regional Salary in Connecticut
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT | 160 | $44,030 | $21.17 | $62,380 | $29,680 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 110 | $41,410 | $19.91 | $58,260 | $29,120 |
| New Haven, CT | 80 | $41,840 | $20.12 | $57,840 | $29,190 |
| Norwich-New London-Westerly, CT-RI | 50 | $38,390 | $18.46 | $52,200 | $29,120 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a floral designer in Connecticut?
No license or degree is needed to be a floral designer in Connecticut.
What cities pay the most for floral designers in Connecticut?
New Haven, Bridgeport, and Darien have the highest salaries for floral designers in Connecticut.
What is the best part about being a floral designer?
Most floral designers say the best part of their job is helping to make their clients happy and building long-term relationships with them.
There aren't any classes near me. What can I do?
Connecticut is a small state, so there are not a lot of schools that offer floral arrangements.
However, many local flower shops have regular workshops and even offer private classes.
You may also be interested in checking out online courses that you can take from the comfort of your own home.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State