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Floral designers work with clients to create stunning floral arrangements, like corsages and wedding bouquets.
The profession is ideal for creative people with a passion for flowers.
In New York, there are no set regulations or education requirements for florists, but certain steps can help advance your career.
Here’s how you can become a floral designer in The Empire State.
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Steps to Becoming a Floral Designer In New York
Since New York doesn’t have specific requirements for floral designers, the steps you’ll need to take to start your career may vary.
These steps will prepare you for a career as a florist and help you expand your career opportunities.
1. Learn the Basics of Floral Design
To work as a floral designer in New York, you’ll need knowledge of flower care and arrangement.
You can develop these skills through on-the-job training or educational programs.
While you don’t need a degree, classes and training programs are an effective way to develop the necessary skills.
2. Consider Becoming a Certified Florist
Certified florists are tested on their skills and knowledge.
Obtaining a certificate is an excellent way to showcase your expertise.
New York doesn’t have a state certification program, but you can obtain national or international certification from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).
3. Develop a Portfolio
Having a portfolio will allow you to show examples of your work to potential employers or clients.
Take pictures of your best floral designs and arrangements.
Try to showcase a variety of designs so that you can demonstrate a range of skills.
4. Join Professional Organizations
Professional organizations, like the Niagara International Association of Florists (NIA), provide networking opportunities for floral designers.
Joining these organizations can also help you keep up with industry trends.
5. Move Forward with Your Career
Once you have a portfolio, you can take the next step in your career.
You could work for an existing florist, take on freelance jobs for clients, or start your own floral design business.
Floral Designer Programs and Classes
New York offers a wide range of programs for aspiring florists.
The state is even home to some of the top floral schools in the world!
These are some of your options for floral design education in NY.
The New York Botanical Garden
NYBG offers a program that prepares students to become AIFD-certified florists.
It requires students to take 142-course hours of relevant classes and finish an 80-hour internship.
The program takes two years to complete, with an approximate cost of $17,500.
The school also has intensive classes on floral design.
Flower School New York
This school has a variety of classes and programs, including a Floral Design Program that’s officially licensed by the state education department.
The program is six weeks and is designed to prepare students to enter the floral design industry.
Total costs are around $8,150, which includes course fees and supplies.
New York School of Flower Design
At this school, students can take a one-week intensive course with Michael Gaffney, a celebrity florist.
After finishing the intensive course, students can enroll in the one-week master’s course.
Tuition for the one-week program is $1,850, which includes the cost of materials.
New York Institute of Art + Design
This school offers an online floral design program that provides graduates with a Certificate in Floral Design.
Students can complete the course at their own pace and have up to 18 months to finish.
The course costs $1,199, but students can receive discounts if they pay the full tuition upfront.
Floral Designer Schools in New York – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| The New York Botanical Garden | 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458, United States |
| FlowerSchool New York | 253 West 28th St. 7th Fl, New York, NY |
| New York School of Flower Design | 131 W. 28th St. New York, NY 10001 |
| New York Institute of Art + Design | 41 E 11th St 11th floor, New York, NY 10003, USA |
Salary for Floral Designers In New York
In New York, the average floral designer earns between $51,896 and $77,258 per year.
Average salaries are slightly higher in New York City, where florists have an average yearly salary of $63,927.
Salaries tend to be higher for florists with their floral shop.
Accredited florists tend to earn higher wages, as experienced floral designers do.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| New York | $64,065 |
| Buffalo | $53,232 |
| Rochester | $53,749 |
| Yonkers | $62,847 |
| Syracuse | $54,226 |
| Albany | $55,330 |
| New Rochelle | $62,166 |
| Mount Vernon | $62,820 |
| Schenectady | $55,196 |
| Utica | $53,084 |
Regional Salary in New York
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 100 | $40,480 | $19.46 | $48,780 | $31,840 |
| Binghamton, NY | 40 | $35,390 | $17.01 | $42,540 | $31,480 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga-Niagara Falls, NY | 150 | $38,460 | $18.49 | $47,300 | $30,500 |
| Kingston, NY | 30 | $42,940 | $20.65 | $52,000 | $34,690 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 1,960 | $42,770 | $20.56 | $58,390 | $31,770 |
| Rochester, NY | 170 | $38,280 | $18.4 | $48,020 | $30,360 |
| Syracuse, NY | 70 | $38,600 | $18.56 | $47,060 | $30,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Become an Accredited Floral Designer In New York?
New York doesn’t have a state accreditation board for florists, so aspiring floral designers must seek accreditation from AIFD.
To do this, you must complete the Professional Floral Design Evaluation, which costs $1,900.
It includes an online test and a hands-on examination.
How Do I Get a Floral Design Internship In New York?
Many New York florists offer internship programs, including Flower Girl NYC and Eastern Parkway Florist & Fruit Baskets.
FlowerSchool New York has an internship program that pairs students with participating florists.
How Can I Start My Own Floral Design Business In New York?
If you want to open your floral shop, your business must be registered with the New York State Department of State.
You’ll also need to obtain a seller’s permit and a state and federal employer tax number.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State