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Floral design is an exciting career with plenty of opportunities.
As a floral designer, you’ll create floral arrangements for events, including weddings, parties, and funerals.
If you are interested in becoming a floral designer in Iowa, you are in the right place.
Let’s take a look at the steps you’ll need to complete to become a floral designer in Alaska.
Article Table of Contents
Steps for Becoming a Floral Designer in Alaska
Alaska has no state requirements for being a floral designer, so you have a few options to choose from.
While there are no official requirements, employees often have their own requirements.
They may require you to have training in floral design, previous experience, or certification.
You can attend a floral design school in Alaska, or find an apprenticeship to learn the business.
You can also choose to get a certification through the American Institute of Floral Design, or AIFD.
It’s also important to note that you can choose more than one option.
In fact, this gives you the best opportunities for employment in the field.
Get a High School Diploma or Equivalent
The first step to becoming a floral designer is to get a high school diploma or equivalent.
It is possible to find an apprenticeship without a diploma.
However, if you don’t complete high school, opportunities are difficult to find.
Choose and Attend a Floral Design School in Alaska
Most people who choose to be floral designers can benefit from attending a floral design school.
This isn’t required, but it can give you the knowledge you need to get started in the field of floral design.
There are no formal study programs for floral design in Alaska.
However, there are classes offered, as well as online opportunities.
Consider an Apprenticeship or Entry-Level Position
Once you’ve completed your floral design training, you may want to find an apprenticeship or entry-level position in the field.
Most employers prefer their employees to have completed a training program or have previous experience.
It’s a great idea to take a few classes before diving in.
However, you can also enter an apprenticeship without any prior training.
Some employers prefer employees with no prior knowledge. This allows them to train the employee to do things their way.
Get Certified as a CFD
Once you’ve completed a floral design training program, apprenticeship, or both, you can choose to get your certification.
There are two ways to become certified.
You can attend a floral design school that is certified by the AIFD, or the American Institute of Floral Designers.
Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll need to take the Professional Floral Design Evaluation, or PFDE, which is an online exam.
You’ll also need to pay a fee of $150 and score at least 80% on the exam.
Unfortunately, there are no schools in Alaska that are certified with the AIFD.
This means if you want to become certified, you’ll need to complete the second option.
You’ll need to take the PFDE exam online.
You’ll pay the $150 fee.
You’ll need to score at least 80% on the test.
Next, you’ll need to sign up for the Professional Floral Design Evaluation hands-on examination.
This costs $1,900 and consists of 5 designs.
This event is held once a year.
Depending on your score, you can receive a CFD certification or an AFID certification.
Floral Design Schools in Alaska
Unfortunately, there are no degree or certificate programs offered in person in Alaska.
However, you still have a few options.
Alaska Wholesale Flower Market
Alaska Wholesale Flower Market offers great entry-level classes in floral design.
Classes include Introduction to Floral Design and European Hand Tie for bouquets.
Classes cost $55-$65, and last for a few hours.
Preston Bailey Online Floral Design Course
For an in-depth education in floral design, you should consider Preston Bailey’s Online Floral Design Course.
The Fundamentals of Floral Design is designed for beginners.
It’s a self-paced course with open enrollment.
It typically takes less than 6 months to complete and costs $1,695.
Once you’ve completed this course, you can take the next level to learn more, which is Intermediate Flora Design.
This course costs 1,899.00.
Both courses provide graduates of the course with a certificate.
Penn Forster Floral Design Online Program
Penn Foster is one of the most respected online schools.
They offer a floral design career diploma, which prepares you for a career in floral design.
The program is self-paced.
You can start at any time, and take the time you need to work through each unit.
Students have up to 9 months to complete the program.
The cost is $899 if paid in full upfront.
If you choose to make monthly payments of $59, the cost is $1,089.
Floral Designer Schools in Alaska – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Alaska Wholesale Flower Market | 7437 Old Seward Hwy, Anchorage, AK 99518, USA |
| Preston Bailey Online Floral Design Course | 425 W. University Blvd. Durant, OK 74701-3347 US |
| Penn Forster Floral Design Online Program | 925 Oak Street Scranton, PA 18515 USA |
Salary
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $60,510 |
| Juneau | $59,971 |
| Fairbanks | $60,260 |
| Sitka | $59,155 |
| Ketchikan | $59,155 |
| Kenai | $59,694 |
| Kodiak | $59,694 |
| Bethel | $59,694 |
| Wasilla | $59,694 |
| Palmer | $59,694 |
Regional Salary in Alaska
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 30 | $43,200 | $20.77 | $59,370 | $31,200 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a florist and a floral designer?
Florists typically work in retail and sell flower arrangements in stores.
Flower designers are more focused on events.
You’ll see them doing arrangements for weddings, celebrations, and other events.
Are floral designers in demand in Alaska?
Floral design jobs are projected to decline in most states over the next decade.
However, in Alaska, opportunities are expected to grow by 6%.
This means it’s a good career choice.
Can I start a florist business from home in Alaska?
Yes, you can.
There are no restrictions on starting a florist or floral design business from your home in Alaska.
This can be a great way to begin your career, and can also be a side job.
This allows you to get familiar with the business before making the leap to full-time.
How can I Maintain My Certification in Alaska?
Keeping your CFD certification requires a fee of $214 each year.
You’ll also need to get 25 continuing education credits every 3 years.
You can get these credits by attending industry events or symposiums, participating in the AFID, or taking continuing education classes in floral design.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State