Skip to the main content
This website uses cookies to give you a better online experience. By using this website or closing this message, you are agreeing to our cookie policy. More information
Alberta Supports Contact Centre

Toll Free 1-877-644-9992

Floral Designer

Floral designers create floral arrangements. They may purchase, sell, and care for flowers and potted plants. They may work in independent retail flower shops or chains, the floral departments of big-box stores or supermarkets, or as private consultants.

Also Known As

Artistic Floral Arranger, Designer, Florist

NOC Codes

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

  • 5244.9: Artistic Floral Arrangers

2006 NOC-S

  • F144: Artisans and Craftspersons

2011 NOC

  • 5244: Artisans and craftspersons

2016 NOC

  • 5244: Artisans and craftspersons

2021 NOC

  • 53124: Artisans and craftspersons

2023 OaSIS

  • 53124.09: Artistic floral arrangers
Duties
Updated Mar 22, 2023

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:

  • Written orders that indicate customers’ preferences for style, colour, type of flower, and cost
  • Pre-defined menus of advertised arrangements
  • Requests based on selling price in which the designer chooses the colour, design, and type of flower

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:

  • Give advice on the care and maintenance of plants and fresh-cut flowers
  • Sell giftware
  • Order flowers and supplies from wholesalers and growers
  • Create designs for sale at the wholesale level
  • Design displays for retail shops
  • Perform general duties such as cleaning merchandise, washing flower buckets, and sweeping floors
Working Conditions
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Artistic Floral Arrangers

2006 NOC: 5244.9

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

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

OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working with natural and artificial flowers, foliage and decorative accessories

SOCIAL

Interest in speaking with customers to discuss floral settings and to suggest types of flowers, plants, floral arrangements and decorations appropriate for customers' requirements

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 22, 2023

Floral designers need:

  • Manual dexterity
  • A flair for colour
  • Artistic and visual copying skills
  • The ability to follow directions and instructions accurately
  • Communication skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • No allergies to pollen or plant foliage
  • Proper skills in using a floral knife and plant shears

They should enjoy:

  • Selling merchandise
  • Handling flowers
  • Working with clear rules and organized methods

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Artisans and craftspersons

2016 NOC: 5244

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 65 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Dec 16, 2021 and Dec 03, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Attention to detail
Hand-eye co-ordination
Ability to distinguish between colours
Accurate
Tasks: Sell products on a retail basis
Tasks: Manage day-to-day business operations
Tasks: Design bouquets and select natural and artificial flowers and decorative accessories to create arrangements or other floral items
Sitting
Tasks: Supervise apprentices or other artisans
Excellent oral communication
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Minimum Education High school diploma

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:

  • Hiring, training, and supervising staff
  • Marketing, including advertising, sales, promotions, and window and in-store displays
  • Ordering stock, bookkeeping, and basic accounting
Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Mount Royal University

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 22, 2023
  • Certification Not Regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 22, 2023

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.

Industry Concentration

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.

3-Year Job Market Forecast

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.

Artisans and craftspersons
2021 NOC: 53124
Lower
Demand
< 1500
Employed

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.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

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:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Artisans and craftspersons
2016 NOC: 5244
2.1%
Annual Growth
(Below Average)
28
New Positions

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 22, 2023

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.

Artisans and craftspersons

2016 NOC: 5244
Average Wage
$24.10
Per Hour
Average Salary
$47,880.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.5
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
12
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 5244 Wage Profile

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.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

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.


Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
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

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Retail Trade

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
31%
31%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
N/A
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
12%
12%
Vacancy Rate
3%
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Personal and Food Services

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.

Was this page useful?