How to Become a Floral Designer in Mississippi

In the heart of the Deep South, where the warmth of Southern hospitality meets the vibrant colors of nature, lies an opportunity to turn your passion for flowers into a thriving career.

if you’re enchanted by the art of floral design and wish to transform your creative flair into a rewarding profession, becoming a floral designer in Mississippi might just be the fragrant journey you’ve been seeking.

How to Become a Floral Designer in Mississippi

Step 1: Education

No formal education is needed to become a floral designer.

However, if you’re planning on working in someone else’s shop at first, make sure you get your high school diploma or at least a GED.

They are very appreciated.

As you grow and save up some money, you can also go to classes, courses, and workshops to refine your work.

Step 2: Learn the basics

Before you go off on this career path, you’ll need to find out if you can do the basics.

You can do your own research, buy materials and tools, and try it out.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t do good the first few times. You’ll get better with time.

Step 3: Talk to the pros

Learn about the floral industry in your area.

This will make your calculations on whether it’s a good or bad idea to start this business clear.

Floral designers are usually needed in some seasons more than in others so you have to keep that in mind when going into this industry.

You can get this information first-hand from local shop owners.

Step 4: Create a portfolio

Once you start creating, start taking pictures.

Creating your portfolio and promoting it on a web page or social media will give onlookers an idea of what you do, what your style is, and if it suits them.

As you get better, clients will pour in, and they will bring their friends and family with them!

Floral Design Schools in Mississippi

Mississippi State University

The University has a floral design and a professional florist program, both awarded with certificates in the end.

They also have courses for floral enthusiasts, farmers, and growers.

The program consists of four levels.

Students are required to complete them in sequential order.

Each course contains a pretest and posttest to measure learning so that we can continue to improve the course content and delivery.

At the end of each class, students evaluate the course for content quality and clarity.

Northeast Mississippi Community College

The Preston Bailey Floral Design course is an opportunity for you to learn the fundamentals of floral design from Preston Bailey, the industry’s most highly regarded floral design expert.

The course is available in multiple states and colleges around the US.

It costs $1,695.

Salary 

The average floral designer’s salary in Mississippi is $49,135.

The minimum is $39,888.

The maximum is $59,382.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Jackson	$49,315
Gulfport	$48,447
Biloxi	$48,832
Hattiesburg	$48,447
Greenville	$48,981
Meridian	$48,838
Tupelo	$46,480
Southaven	$50,981
Vicksburg	$48,923
Pascagoula	$48,607

Regional Salary in Mississippi

* 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

How can I become a floral designer in Mississippi?

To become a floral designer in Mississippi, you can pursue formal education and training in floral design through programs offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or through apprenticeships.

While not mandatory, joining professional associations like the Mississippi State Florists’ Association can provide networking opportunities and resources for career development.

What certification do you need to teach floral design in Mississippi?

The Level 1 Teacher Floral Design Certification is a certification for teachers who have knowledge and have practiced the Level 1 Symmetrical and Rose Boutonniere prior to attending the Certification Class.

Is there a demand for floral designs?

Despite declining employment, about 3,800 openings for floral designers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Floral Designer Info by State