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Floral designers are people that make flower arrangements for special occasions like weddings, proms, anniversaries, and holidays.
They may use live, silk, or dried materials along with other objects to create unique pieces for their clients.
Flower designers must be creative, have a good imagination, be organized, and have knowledge of general color, line, and balance schemes.
Floral designers can do quite well in New Jersey.
Though it’s a small state, it’s densely populated with almost 10 million people.
It’s also helpful that NJ is so close to major cities like New York and Philadelphia.
Often, people will travel to New Jersey for a more affordable price.
If you are interested in how to become a floral designer in New Jersey, read on for some useful information.
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Steps To Becoming A Floral Designer In New Jersey
There are no state regulations or specific requirements to become a floral designer in New Jersey.
However, following these steps can help you on your way.
Get your high school diploma or GED.
Most secondary programs require one or the other.
Most employers also prefer candidates with this credential.
If you know you’re interested in floral design, get a job in the profession as soon as you can.
It can be at a flower shop, grocery store floral department, home and garden store, or a farm stand.
Some of the best floral designers learned on the job.
Take classes in floral arranging and/or botany.
Many local colleges offer both personal enrichment and degree programs that will benefit your career as a florist.
There are even many flower shops that offer classes.
Take the certified floral designer exam.
Though it’s not required, having this national certificate can really enhance your reputation and resume.
It’s only available at select schools or online.
You must complete the written portion as well as a hands-on demonstration.
Floral Designer Programs/Classes In New Jersey
1. Mercer County Community College
About The School
Mercer County College is a 2-year public college that offers online, hybrid, and in-person classes.
They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Course Offering
The floral design program consists of 11 classes and students will receive a certificate upon completion.
Instruction topics include basic floral fundamentals and the history of the profession, tablescapes, cascading wedding bouquets, funeral flowers, hand-tied bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, hair flowers, color, line, and balance.
The price of the program is $2,200.
Address: 1200 Old Trenton Rd. West Windsor, NJ 08550
Phone: (609)5864800
Website: https://mccc.edu
2. Bergan County Community College
About The School
Bergan County Community College is a 2-year public college that was established in 1965.
They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The school offers financial aid to those that qualify.
Course Offering
The floral design courses are part of a larger horticulture degree program.
Students can choose to enroll in the degree program or take the floral courses independently of it.
Instruction includes recognizing materials and equipment used in floral design, learning the names and significance of flowers commonly used in floral arrangements, use of non-floral products in arrangements, hand-tied bouquets, party designs, and more.
The price of the program varies.
You are welcome to contact an advisor at the college for more information.
Address: 400 Paramus Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652
Phone: (201)4477100
Website: https://bergen.edu
3. Morgan’s Farm
About The Course
For a uniquely fun learning experience, Morgan’s farm in Cedar Grove offers students the chance to get back to nature.
Classes are held from June through October in the farm’s barn.
It begins in the field, where instructors will teach everyone about locally grown and native flowers.
Everyone will hand-cut their own supplies for their arrangements.
Designs vary based on class, but activities include vase arrangements, wreaths, and centerpieces.
It’s a great way for floral designers to get some fresh ideas and fresh air.
The cost of each class is $65 and all proceeds go to the preservation of the farm.
Address: 903 Pompton Ave. Cedar Grove, NJ 07009
Phone: (973)2395414
Website: https://www.morgansfarm.org
Floral Designer Schools in New Jersey – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mercer County Community College | 1200 Old Trenton Rd. West Windsor, NJ 08550 |
| Bergan County Community College | 400 Paramus Rd. Paramus, NJ 07652 |
| Morgan's Farm | 903 Pompton Ave. Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 |
Salary For Floral Designers In New Jersey
The median income for floral designers in New Jersey is $ 39,000 per year.
However, many florists make up to $84,000 per year in some parts of the state.
A floral designer’s income depends on factors like location, experience, reputation, and education.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Newark | $61,720 |
| Jersey City | $64,065 |
| Paterson | $62,865 |
| Elizabeth | $61,720 |
| Edison | $61,175 |
| Wayne | $62,865 |
| Trenton | $59,470 |
| Camden | $57,860 |
| Clifton | $62,865 |
| Union | $61,720 |
Regional Salary in New Jersey
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ | 50 | $37,170 | $17.87 | $46,600 | $29,520 |
| Trenton, NJ | 50 | $42,120 | $20.25 | $59,020 | $32,870 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cities are the highest paying for floral designers in New Jersey?
Linwood, East Hanover, Edison, and Dover are among the highest-paying cities for floral designers.
What are some similar jobs to a floral designer that people do in New Jersey?
Similar jobs to a floral designer include interior designer, floral manager, event planner, kitchen designer, and cake decorator.
What is the best way to increase your salary as a floral designer?
You can increase your salary by getting a degree in floral design, becoming certified, and working hard to increase your reputation.
Floral design is one of those professions where word of mouth goes a long way toward increasing your client base.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
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