How to Become a Floral Designer in South Dakota

If you have excess imagination and you want to make people happy, floral design is the perfect choice for you. 

You can work in flower shops and garden centers, or you can even start working as a freelance florist. 

We have created some useful information if you want to become a floral designer in South Dakota!

How to Become a Floral Designer in South Dakota?

We have some good news! 

To become a floral designer in South Dakota, you won’t need a certificate or degree. 

But we have a few recommendations for you! 

Step 1: Get your high school diploma or GED 

You need at least a high school diploma so you can start applying for different jobs. 

But, it is not as easy as it seems. 

You need to have love and knowledge for this profession in order to be successful! 

Step 2: Research the floral industry 

Dig deeper and research South Dakota’s requirements for this profession. 

Step 3: Gain some basic knowledge

You can volunteer in some floral shops, or you can ask for an internship. 

If the job is in demand, the owners will be willing to accept you since it will be a “win-win” situation. 

With this, you can gain some basic knowledge and learn more about design skills and fundamentals. 

Step 4: Consider a certification or course

There are plenty of schools that offer basic courses for floral designers. 

You can take some of these courses, or you can invest 3 years of experience to get certified by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). 

Step 5: Create your portfolio and start applying

With portfolios, you can showcase your talent and win some potential customers or employers. 

Once you feel secure about your portfolio and skills, you can start applying and connect with people from the same profession. 

Floral Designer Schools in South Dakota 

Although the requirements of almost every employer are a high school diploma or GED, investing in more education won’t do harm. 

Here are some of the floral design schools in South Dakota

Simply Perfect

This training program school is located in Sioux Falls. 

It is a private group for floral design classes. 

Class durations vary, but there is also a possibility for one-day classes.

This school requires a minimum of 8 students to start the training. 

Penn Foster Career School 

By attending this school, you will get a floral design career diploma. 

The school consists of online classes that are regionally and nationally accredited.

After getting your diploma, you will have knowledge of design techniques and styles, as well as plant care. 

To get a nationally recognized certification, you can take the program from the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD). 

South Dakota Florists Association (SDFA) is approved by the AIFD. 

But to become certified in South Dakota, you must take a written and practical exam. 

Salary

The average salary for floral designers is $48,551. 

But we must emphasize that the range typically falls between $39,414 and $58,676.

Also, your annual salary will also depend on your skills and previous experience. 

Florists also have different salaries based on the field they choose to work in. 

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Sioux Falls	$49,461
Rapid City	$48,480
Aberdeen	$45,593
Watertown	$48,634
Brookings	$48,634
Mitchell	$48,634
Pierre	$46,419
Yankton	$47,984
Huron	$47,113
Vermillion	$47,334

Regional Salary in South Dakota

* 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 long does it take to become a floral designer in South Dakota?

The whole process duration might vary, depending on the education you want to take.

For some designers, a few months is enough, but some decide to invest more time in their education.

Can I get paid internship as a floral designer in South Dakota?

Yes and no!

The decision is usually on the employers.

Also, it depends on your previous experience and knowledge.

Is being a flower designer in South Dakota stressful?

It depends on your chosen field.

Last-minute changes might cause you stress, but also holidays are very stressful for florists because of the high demand.

Also, those who work on funerals as floral designers might deal with some mixed emotions.

Floral Designer Info by State