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Floral designers or specialists arrange plants and flowers in a creative way that’s pleasing to the eyes.
This can be for weddings, birthday parties, funerals, baby showers, or any other event.
Such a career is excellent for anyone who enjoys working with flowers, plants, and people.
But what does it take to be a floral designer?
This is a step-by-step guide to help you.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Massachusetts
If you have decided to be a florist, these are steps you’ll need to follow toward that career.
Step 1: Get the Right Training
While a portfolio of past jobs will take you somewhere, get the proper education if you want to go further.
Formal education and training will broaden your point of view, especially if you plan to run your own business.
Even if you already know how to arrange flowers, get those papers, as they will help when you’re seeking jobs.
Step 2: Find the Right Schools
Once you know which level of education you’re starting with, find the right school.
Fortunately, Massachusetts has some of the best schools for floral designers, allowing students to study online or attend physical classes.
One of the major schools to consider is Rittners School of Floral Design, located in Boston city.
Step 3: Apprentice With a Local Floral Specialist
One of the best ways to gain hands-on experience is by working with experienced floral designers either as an intern or through volunteering.
You will start with basic flower arrangements and move towards more complex designs as your skills improve.
You’ll also learn how to include complex flowers in different designs and which flowers complement each other.
However, note that in some cases, you may have to pay an experienced floral designer to work with them.
In other cases, you’ll have to bring value to the business you’re trying to learn from, such as social media marketing.
Step 4: Get the Right Licenses and Certifications
While you don’t need an official license to become a floral designer in Massachusetts, it helps to get one.
The American Institute of Floral Designers offers this credential to those who want it.
Having the certificate shows you have a certain level of expertise which can look good on your portfolio.
Step 5: Build Your Portfolio
Before you can become a floral designer, create your portfolio to show your work to potential clients.
It’s simple, and it will help you whether you’re seeking employment or want to start your business.
This is like a resume of sorts.
Floral Designer Programs/Classes
You can find floral designer programs in private schools, universities, community colleges, and vocational schools.
The most common program is a certificate which takes about six months.
It will depend on your schedule and that of the school.
Even if you already know how to design floral arrangements, the certificate can boost your confidence as you interact with customers and other florists.
You can get a certificate in a school like Rittners School of Floral Design, costing about $8,000.
There are also classes that take about a week for you to learn basic floral design.
One great example is The Boston School of Flower Design, which isn’t a school per se but more of a workshop where you receive training.
Michael Gaffney, a celebrity, founded the school.
The most extended classes take a week, cost $1850, and you learn 24 design styles, including bridal and funeral designs.
The most basic skill you learn from these classes and programs is designing different arrangements.
However, it can also cover different flower designs based on locations such as Europe, Asia, and America.
Best Schools for Floral Designers in Massachusetts
You can either attend a class that will last a couple of weeks or enrolls in a course that takes a few months.
Some of the best schools to consider include the following:
1. Rittners School of Floral Design
It’s located in Boston and offers a compressive course that covers both floral design and the business aspects of it.
Classes are from Monday to Friday and take about seven months.
However, they also offer some basic classes that take just a month.
You can contact the school at 617-267-3824 or check out their website for more information.
2. Middlesex Community College
This college has basic classes that you can take for only two hours and will cost you about $35.
They also have introductory classes that take four weeks, and you pay a material fee of $125.
All their classes are hands-on, where you work with actual materials to create different floral designs.
You can contact the school at 800-818-3434 or check out their website.
3. Penn Foster Career School
This school offers an online diploma in floral design where you can learn the basics of floral designs, design styles and techniques, plant care, designing holiday floral arrangements, and creating artificial flower displays.
The classes are convenient and flexible as you get to decide your schedule and when you’ll finish your coursework.
Throughout the course, you get a team of dedicated experts who will help you anytime you need them.
You can contact the school at 1-800-275-4410 or visit their website for more information.
Floral Designer Schools in Massachusetts – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Rittners School of Floral Design | 345 Marlborough St, Boston, MA 02115, USA |
| Middlesex Community College | 591 Springs Rd, Bedford, MA 01730, USA |
| Penn Foster | 925 Oak St, Scranton, PA 18515, United States |
Floral Designer Salary in Massachusetts
The average salary of a floral designer in Massachusetts is about $61,299, with some earning as high as $85,720.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Boston | $61,299 |
| Worcester | $57,414 |
| Springfield | $56,840 |
| Lowell | $59,351 |
| Cambridge | $61,299 |
| Brockton | $59,411 |
| New Bedford | $57,888 |
| Fall River | $57,888 |
| Lynn | $61,299 |
| Quincy | $61,299 |
Regional Salary in Massachusetts
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnstable Town, MA | 50 | $40,450 | $19.45 | $49,400 | $35,260 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | 830 | $42,930 | $20.64 | $57,780 | $36,970 |
| Springfield, MA-CT | 90 | $42,390 | $20.38 | $63,760 | $32,060 |
| Worcester, MA-CT | 90 | $40,000 | $19.23 | $53,520 | $33,440 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are floral designers in high demand in Massachusetts?
Based on ZipRecruiter, Massachusetts’ floral design market is not very active, and only a few companies are hiring.
On the bright side, it ranks third in the US in terms of highest paid salaries in this field.
What skills do I need to become a floral designer?
It would help if you had an eye for detail to be able to arrange flowers, plants, and other elements in the right way.
And if you’re running your own business, you’ll also need marketing and communication skills.
Do you need a degree to become a floral designer?
You don’t need a degree to become a floral designer, but taking a formal course will come in handy when seeking employment or starting your business.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State