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Artistic Floral Arranger, Designer, Florist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Floral designers use fresh, dried, or artificial flowers to create flower arrangements for home decoration or gifts. They may provide an ever-changing selection of arrangements for corporate accounts such as hotels, restaurants, and faith venues. They may also create multiple arrangements for occasions such as weddings, funerals, graduations, and birthdays.
Floral designers may work from:
In addition to designing and arranging, floral designers may cut and condition flowers and foliage. This ensures they remain fresh for as long as possible while in storage or after they’ve been sold. They create in-store and window displays and serve customers over the phone or on the internet. They also may:
Working conditions in floral shops are often pleasant. However, the job involves a lot of standing and some heavy lifting. In winter, constant opening and closing of exterior doors and going in and out of refrigerated units can make for a cold working environment.
Floral designers should be able to multitask, as they must sometimes manage competing demands. For example, they may need to balance telephone and in-store sales while meeting production deadlines for events or corporate accounts.
Floral designers in retail stores work standard retail hours that often include evenings and weekends. They may need to work long hours to complete arrangements during holiday seasons and for special occasions. Spring can be especially busy with many weddings and graduations.
Part-time work is common. However, department managers and shop owners may need to attend early-morning fresh-flower and plant auctions several times per week.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to design bouquets, corsages, sprays, wreaths and other floral arrangements and to select natural and artificial flowers, foliage and decorative accessories to create arrangements and other floal items
Interest in precision working with natural and artificial flowers, foliage and decorative accessories
Interest in speaking with customers to discuss floral settings and to suggest types of flowers, plants, floral arrangements and decorations appropriate for customers' requirements
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Floral designers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 66 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Dec 20, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 46 |
|---|---|
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 40 |
| Ability to distinguish between colours | 39 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 38 |
| Tasks: Sell products on a retail basis | 34 |
| Tasks: Manage day-to-day business operations | 31 |
| Tasks: Design bouquets and select natural and artificial flowers and decorative accessories to create arrangements or other floral items | 31 |
| Sitting | 29 |
| Tasks: Supervise apprentices or other artisans | 25 |
| Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication | 23 |
There is no standard minimum education requirement for floral designers. However, good communication, computer, and basic math skills are required. A high school diploma and knowledge of floral design are definite assets when seeking employment.
Floral designers develop the speed, efficiency, and skills to create high-quality floral arrangements by taking related education programs or learning on the job.
Edmonton Public Schools through Metro Continuing Education offers a 30-hour Floral Design Level 1 program and a 28-hour Floral Design Level 2 program.
Floral designers must update their skills and knowledge by attending workshops and design shows and reading trade publications.
Those who own their own businesses need business management skills for:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Floral designers may be self-employed or work for independent florist shops or retail chains, including department stores and supermarkets.
Floral designers often start as labourers or assistants. In this role, they may unpack, cut, and prepare flowers for storage, organize delivery orders, and clean up. Trainees usually work closely with experienced floral designers, learning basic arrangements and advancing to more elaborate designs. In some shops, individuals may work solely as designers.
Advancement most often depends on the person’s ability, creativity, and ambition. Experienced floral designers who have business and supervisory skills may advance to department or shop managers, open their own retail shops, or become private consultants.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Artisans and craftspersons
2016 NOC: 5244
76.1% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Trainees and assistants in private flower shops may start at or just above minimum wage. Department store and supermarket employees in floral departments are paid union rates. Earnings for shop owners and consultants can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, reputation, and clientele.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.00 | $18.47 | $17.00 |
| Overall | $15.50 | $45.00 | $24.10 | $22.75 |
| Top | $16.00 | $50.00 | $28.16 | $29.20 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $47,880 |
|---|---|
| Retail Trade | $49,714 |
Updated Mar 22, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
