How to Become a Floral Designer in South Dakota

South Dakota floral designers make each day beautiful.

These artists use their unique knowledge and skills to arrange cut, dried, and artificial flowers, creating breathtaking and memorable centerpieces, bouquets, boutonnieres, or wreaths — conveying a stylish message.

You will find the work of a floral designer in hotels, weddings, grocery stores, business meetings, and gift shops.

A floral designer even influenced that corner store’s roses or daisies.

There are no state requirements to be a floral designer in South Dakota.

However, employers generally look for at least a high school diploma, floral knowledge basics from an approved education program course and experience, and a sense of professionalism. And a recognized certificate is always a plus.

Steps to Become a Floral Designer in South Dakota

For those who envision a future working with flowers, here are some steps you can take to become a floral designer in South Dakota:

1. Research floral design: Learn about the floral industry, the types of floral design, and the job outlook in South Dakota.
2. Understand the minimum education requirements: Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent for floral designer positions. Additionally, some floral design courses require a high school diploma for admittance or to sit for the certification exam.
3. Learn the basics: Although South Dakota does not regulate floral designers, a degree or certificate in the field can provide an excellent educational foundation and show potential employers your commitment and professionalism. Learning basic business skills is also a plus when working in floral design.
4. Gain experience: Design takes practice. Intern or volunteer in a flower shop, greenhouse, or nursery.
5. Create a design portfolio: Gather your best floral designs highlighting your niche and skills.
6. Understand flower trends: Attend workshops, conferences, and other events to learn bout new techniques and styles in the floral industry.
7. Earn a national certificate:  The American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) offers the Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation recognized throughout the United States.

Floral Designer Programs and Classes

Floral design in South Dakota can be a rewarding entry-level career for anyone who enjoys the elegance of flowers.

While no state laws require certification, employers recognize the South Dakota Certified Florist (SDCF) and the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) credentials as indicators of expertise.

State and national associations have approved two programs offering floral design training for South Dakota residents.

The Simply Perfect

The Simply Perfect floral workshop is located in the capital city of Sioux Falls and offers private group floral design classes.

These are intimate, usually one-day events held in a retail setting with varying costs.

Penn Foster Career School

Penn Foster is an online vocational school accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). It offers a completely Online Certificate of Completion in Floral Design.

The course teaches design techniques, trends, and plant care.

The benefits of this type of program include a self-paced environment that can be completed in five months and low tuition costs – $700.

Graduating from either program allows the student to sit for a professional certificate.

South Dakota floral design certification is voluntary but enhances a portfolio.

The South Dakota Florists Association established the South Dakota Certified Florist credential in 1997.

To qualify for this designation, you must take an approved certification course on floral design basics.

SDCF curricula cost roughly $500 for study materials, flowers, and testing supplies.

Scholarships are available from the association.

The South Dakota Florists Association (SDFA) approved courses are also approved for the national AIFD floral designer’s credential.

After completing all the coursework, certificates can pay an additional testing fee and sit for the AIFD exam.

Alternatively, workshops may be taken online directly from the American Institute of Floral Designers in preparation for the PFDE exam either in person or as an entirely online examination option.

The application costs $150 and $1,550 PFDE for the actual evaluation.

All exams, state and national, require a passing grade of 80% or higher.

Maintaining the national CFD requires an annual fee of roughly $124 and the completion of 25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years.

Floral Designer Schools in South Dakota – Summary Table

Salary

Working in South Dakota as a floral designer offers many opportunities.

In general, work will be available in places like the flower departments of local supermarkets and hotels, floral design studios, gardens, and greenhouses, or as a freelance floral designer.

The major cities of Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Brookings have some of the highest-paid floral designer positions in the state.

Floral design is a stable career in South Dakota. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2021 reports that South Dakota floral designers earn a minimum wage of $14.96 per hour vs. the national average of $15.43.

The average salary for a floral designer in the state hovered around $46,571, ranging from $ 31,120 to $65,125 annually.

In 2021, approximately 190 floral designers worked in South Dakota.

Regional Salary in South Dakota

Floral Design by State