How to Become a Floral Designer in California

Have you always been an artistic soul?

Have you tried so many fields, yet nothing has stuck?

Maybe your next adventure should be something more unique!

Let’s learn how you can become a floral designer in your own home state of California!

How To Become a Floral Designer in California

This field, like any art field, can be self-thought.

In today’s world, the internet is full of information, and you can learn anything you want!

Step 1: Read up on the job

By doing a little research, you can learn if this is something you can see yourself doing as a job.

This way, you can determine if this will be a part-time hobby and something you can do in your free time or a serious business you see thriving for years.

Step 2: Learn the basics

After you calculate the risks and weigh out the pros and cons, it’s time to start learning.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so start learning about colors, flowers, materials, patterns, and how to match them all.

Step 3: It’s all about the customer

Adaptability is very important as a floral artist.

You will be working with a people. And probably for events that are important to them.

This is why it’s important to listen to their wishes and their ideas and make them come true.

Step 4: Establish yourself

With time and experience, you will gain customers, and you can develop your style.

The customers can know your style and what you are best at if you present your work, and in this age, that’s very easy to do.

Social media can be a business’s best friend. Sponsorships and people tagging you can bring your work a long way.

Floral Design Schools in California

As previously stated, floral design can be a self-taught branch.

But, for those who are more ambitious and can treat themselves, there are plenty of schools and classes in CA.

Butte College

This college has various artistic classes.

They offer beginner classes for florists as well as advanced ones.

Both have 34 lecture hours and 51 lab hours.

The cost of the classes is based on the household’s salary.

There is also financial aid.

CalPoly

It is a public university decorated with many awards.

The floral design team is proven to be one of the best, with many medals in multiple competitions through the years.

It was ranked as one of the better universities in 2022 and is a hands-on university with a Learn by Doing motto.

Golden West College

This college is a member of many institutes connected to floral design and has had an increase in interest in its classes in the past few years.

After finishing, you get three certificates and an AA degree.

Local tuition is $1,186, and domestic tuition is $8,554.

Cuyamaca College

This college offers floral design as a major.

Cuyamaca College teaches you how to love all sorts of plants and how to nurse them and take care of them, which can be very useful for a floral designer.

Local tuition is $1,340, and domestic tuition is $9,936.

Salary 

On average, florists in California earn $60,772.

The minimum salary is $38,922, while the maximum salary is $84,983.

The salary depends on the city and your skills, education, and the chosen company.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Los Angeles	$61,857
San Diego	$59,458
San Jose	$69,147
San Francisco	$68,871
Long Beach	$61,433
Fresno	$55,207
Sacramento	$59,665
Oakland	$67,217
Santa Ana	$61,488
Anaheim	$61,571

Regional Salary in California

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Floral Designers, OCC Code 27-1023, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make a living as a floral designer in California?

Yes, you can make a living as a floral designer in California.

The key is in the marketing!

You can be highly educated in this field, but if you don’t expose your shop or business, people won’t find out about you.

Use today’s technology to your advantage!

Is it hard to be a Floral Designer in CA?

Floral design requires a lot of patience and hard work.

Working with people, especially ones that have booked you for an event, will never be easy and smooth.

However, the end results and the client’s happiness will be rewarding enough to get you through the hardships.

Which state employs the most floral designers?

You’re in luck! California has the most employed floral designers.

The big cities are a hotspot for events that might need your work, so don’t miss out on the opportunities.

Is florist a stressful job?

The job can be stressful.

From finance to clients, you’ll need time to wrap your head around everything.

Floral Designer Info by State