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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:
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 use fresh, dried, or artificial flowers to create flower arrangements for home decoration, gifts, corporate accounts, or special occasions such as weddings, funerals, graduations, and birthdays. They may work from:
In addition to designing and arranging, floral designers also may cut and condition flowers and foliage for storage to ensure they remain fresh as long as possible. 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 generally are pleasant. Floral designers should be able to multitask, as they sometimes are required to manage the competing demands of telephone sales, in-store sales, and production deadlines. The job involves considerable standing and requires some heavy lifting.
Floral designers work standard retail hours that often include evenings and weekends. Long hours may be required to complete arrangements on time during holiday seasons and for special occasions. Part-time work is common.
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 17 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Jan 30, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Ability to distinguish between colours | 9 |
|---|---|
| Hand-eye co-ordination | 9 |
| Attention to detail | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Accurate | 8 |
| Sitting | 7 |
| Other benefits: Free parking available | 7 |
| Design bouquets and select natural and artificial flowers and decorative accessories to create arrangements or other floral items | 6 |
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 6 |
| Computer Systems: Public transportation is available | 6 |
| Sell products on a retail basis | 4 |
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 skill set required to create high-quality floral arrangements by taking related education programs or by 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 continue to update their skills and knowledge by attending workshops and design shows and by reading trade publications.
Those who own retail shops 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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Floral designers may be self-employed or employed by independent florist shops or retail chain stores. They often start as labourers or assistants, unpacking, cutting and preparing flowers for storage, organizing delivery orders and cleaning up. Trainees usually work closely with experienced floral designers, learning basic arrangements and advancing to more elaborate designs. In some shops, individuals may be employed exclusively as designers.
Advancement generally depends on the person’s ability, creativity, and ambition. Experienced floral designers who have business and supervisory skills may advance to shop management positions or open their own retail shops.
In Alberta, floral designers are part of 2 larger 2011 National Occupational Classifications – 6421: Retail salespersons, and 5244: Artisans and craftspersons.
83% of people employed in the Retail and Salespersons and Sales Clerks group work in the Retail Trade industry.
75% of people employed in the Artisans and Craftspersons group work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the 5244: Artisans and craftspersons occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Department store and supermarket employees working in floral departments are paid union rates.
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
| Retail Trade | $49,714 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $47,880 |
Updated Mar 31, 2019. 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.