What does a florist do?

As a florist, you would: handle enquiries and orders in-person, by phone and online talk to customers about what they want and help them choose flowers prepare and set out displays for weddings, celebrations and funerals make sure flowers and plants reach display condition at the right time design floral arrangements…

How do you become a florist?

You can get into this job through a college course, an apprenticeship and working your way up.

How much does a florist earn?

Starter salaries are around £22,000 a year, rising to about £28,000 with experience.

How many hours does a florist work?

Typically 24 to 42 hours a week.

Florist

Florists sell flowers and create displays for weddings, funerals, events and special occasions.

Starter salary£22,000 a year
Experienced£28,000 a year
Typical hours24 to 42 a week

What you'll do

As a florist, you would:

handle enquiries and orders in-person, by phone and online
talk to customers about what they want and help them choose flowers
prepare and set out displays for weddings, celebrations and funerals
make sure flowers and plants reach display condition at the right time
design floral arrangements for events, shows and competitions
build good relationships with wholesalers and suppliers
keep up to date with new floristry techniques and trends

Working environment

You could work at a store, on a market stall or in a workshop.

Your working environment may be cool.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
design skills and knowledge
the ability to work well with your hands
customer service skills
the ability to work well with others
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
the ability to sell products and services
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

How to become a florist

You can get into this job through:

a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role

College

You could do a college course , which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to start as an assistant or trainee florist.

Courses include:

floristry
creative craft - floristry

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Florist Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Senior Florist Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

These usually take about 2 years to complete and are a mix of workplace learning and off-site study.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an assistant in a florist's shop and learn and train on the job.

Employers may want you to have some GCSEs, including maths and English, creative flair and a keen interest in floristry. Experience in retail customer service would also be helpful.

Restrictions and requirements

You may need a driving licence if the job involves picking up stock and making deliveries.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a senior florist or start your own business.

You might also work as a freelance events floral designer, doing exhibition work, demonstrations and workshops.

Career tips

Check out floristry professionals' stories , talking about how they started out and the different routes they took.

Guides for this industry

Manufacturing: pay, interviews and getting started →

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