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Floral design is a great career for creative people who have a passion for flowers and plant life.
It’s an opportunity to use your imagination, beautify spaces, and make people happy.
Pennsylvania is a great place to be a floral designer.
With a population of over 13 million people, that’s a lot of weddings, proms, and anniversaries.
Not to mention Valentine’s Day! Floral designers in Pennsylvania can work in flower shops, markets, garden centers, farm stands, and nurseries.
They can also be self-employed and work with event planners and banquet halls.
If you’re interested in becoming a floral designer in Pennsylvania, read on for some valuable information.
Article Table of Contents
- 1 Steps To Becoming A Floral Designer In Pennsylvania
- 2 Floral Designer Classes/Programs For Floral Designers In Pennsylvania
- 3 Floral Designers Schools in Pennsylvania – Summary Table
- 4 Salary For Floral Designers In Pennsylvania
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Steps To Becoming A Floral Designer In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not require a degree or license to become a floral designer.
But there are steps you can take to promote yourself and ensure optimum success:
- Earn your high school diploma or GED.
- Find a job where you can learn the basics of floral care and design.
- Take classes or enroll in a program for floral design. There are a variety of choices in this area, from community colleges to workshops at your local florist.
- You can also choose to become a certified floral designer. This is a special credential that will be proof that you know the profession. To do this, you must take a specialized course at a college that has partnered with the American Institute of Floral Designers. You may also take the exam for $1500. If you pass, you’ll be added to the AIFD directory of certified floral designers. This will lend to your credibility and visibility.
Floral Designer Classes/Programs For Floral Designers In Pennsylvania
1. Bucks County Community College
About The School
Founded in 1964, Bucks County College is a public 2-year college.
They offer associate and certificate programs.
The school is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Financial aid is available to students that qualify.
The school offers many opportunities for students to get involved, from intramural sports to clubs and organizations.
Course Offerings
The floral design program is the only one in Pennsylvania that offers the certified floral designer certificate.
The course is 102 hours long. Instruction topics include floral design basics, small and large-scale design, wedding design, funeral design, equipment, history of arranging, and wearables.
The cost of the program is $4,000 and includes materials and the exam at the end of the course.
Address: 275 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: (215) 968-8000
Website: https://www.bucks.edu/businesscareer/pro-dev/browsebyindustry/floral-cert/
2. Delaware County Community College
About The School
Founded in 1967, Delaware County College is accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The school offers degree and certificate programs on a full and part-time basis.
Students receive financial aid based on need and a full range of services are available.
These include academic advisement, career counseling, and tutoring.
Course Offerings
The floral design program consists of 5 different courses that can be taken independently of each other.
The cost of each class is $79.
Students will learn about floral basics, using taping, wiring, and other methods, line, and space in arrangements, layering, and using greenery and other materials in arrangements.
Address: 901 Media Line Rd. Media, PA 19063
Phone: (610) 359-5000
Website: https://www.dccc.edu
3. Delaware Valley University
About The School
This private 4-year college has a small student body with equally small classes.
Founded in 1896, the school has 570 beautiful acres.
They are accredited by The Middle States Commission on Higher education.
Over 30 majors are offered, along with adult education and personal enrichment classes.
Course Offerings
The floral design program is held outside on the grounds of the scenic campus.
They consist of a series of workshops taught by a master floral designer.
Students will learn about everything from Victorian floral arrangements to Fairytale garden bouquets.
It’s a great opportunity for floral designers to expand their skills.
The cost of each workshop is $85 and includes materials.
Address: 700 E. Butler Ave. Doylestown, PA 18901
Phone: (215) 345-1500
Website: https://delval.edu
4. Pennsylvania Floral Academy
About The School
Founded in 2017 by a master floral designer.
The goal is to share a love of flowers and knowledge with anyone who wants to learn.
There are beginner classes for hobbyists and advanced classes for professionals wanting to further their skills.
Course Offerings
Depending on what course level they choose, students will learn different aspects of the floral design business.
From tools and terminology to centerpieces and hand-tied arrangements.
The course also includes vases, sympathy, and boxed arrangements.
The end of each class includes a shoptalk period, where there are conversations regarding the business side of the floral game.
The cost of the beginners’ course is $750.
Address: 738 North Scenic Dr. Sorner, PA 16055
Phone: (724) 525-4045
Website: https://pafloralacademy.com
Floral Designers Schools in Pennsylvania – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Bucks County Community College | 275 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940 |
| Delaware County Community College | 901 Media Line Rd. Media, PA 19063 |
| Delaware Valley University | 700 E. Butler Ave. Doylestown, PA 18901 |
| Pennsylvania Floral Academy | 738 North Scenic Dr. Sorner, PA 16055 |
Salary For Floral Designers In Pennsylvania
The average salary for a floral designer in Pennsylvania is $39,500 per year.
However, some make as much as $62,500 or as little as $25,000 per year.
Salary is dependent on many factors, like experience, education, certification, reputation, and location.
Some of the highest-paid floral designers in Pennsylvania live in cities like Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Allentown.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $57,735 |
| Pittsburgh | $53,590 |
| Allentown | $54,830 |
| Erie | $50,255 |
| Upper Darby | $57,735 |
| Reading | $54,121 |
| Scranton | $50,501 |
| Bethlehem | $54,830 |
| Lower Merion | $57,735 |
| Bensalem | $59,305 |
Regional Salary in Pennsylvania
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 120 | $32,660 | $15.7 | $44,650 | $22,870 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 80 | $28,960 | $13.92 | $37,440 | $21,860 |
| Lancaster, PA | 70 | $31,390 | $15.09 | $49,900 | $23,540 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 1,010 | $34,710 | $16.69 | $45,760 | $25,200 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 390 | $31,470 | $15.13 | $36,660 | $23,400 |
| Reading, PA | 70 | $30,380 | $14.6 | $36,430 | $22,610 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre--Hazleton, PA | 100 | $29,990 | $14.42 | $36,670 | $21,910 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 50 | $29,280 | $14.08 | $35,790 | $22,330 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cities in Pennsylvania to be a floral designer?
Norristown, West Chester, and Philadelphia are great areas for floral designers to set up shop.
The large populations of these areas make for good business.
Where can you get an entry-level position as a floral designer in Pennsylvania?
Aside from the usual flower shops, Pennsylvania has tons of markets, farm stands, and garden centers where you can start your career as a floral designer.
Are classes really necessary to be a floral designer in Pennsylvania?
While no classes are required, they are very helpful and can make you stand out from the crowd.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State