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Becoming a floral designer in Oklahoma can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice.
With its diverse landscape, Oklahoma offers many opportunities for aspiring floral designers.
Whether you’re looking to work for a high-paced florist, meeting and event planning, or starting your first business, there are a few essential steps to consider before starting your floral design empire.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Floral Designer in Oklahoma
From education and experience to licensing and networking, the path to a successful floral designer career in Oklahoma can be complicated.
Some of the essential steps include:
- Research the floral industry in Oklahoma. Learn about the state’s requirements for floral designers. Currently, Oklahoma does not require certification or licensing for floral designers. But the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry is a valuable resource for all floral designers.
- Enroll in a floral design course. Oklahoma offers various options for floral design courses, including community colleges, technical schools, and private institutions. Look at fundamental topics such as flower identification, color theory, and floral arrangement techniques. For in-person classes, opt for those with hands-on training.
- Obtain work experience in the floral industry. Consider applying for entry-level positions at local florist shops, garden centers, or flower wholesalers to gain practical experience in the field.
- Consider a professional certificate. Oklahoma does not have a state certificate for floral designers. And few, if any, Oklahoma floral design schools offer an American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) approved education program. So, to earn a national certification accepted in the state, look for a PDFE-approved course and complete the PFDE online test and the hands-on design evaluation.
- Licensing. Currently, Oklahoma does not require licensing for floral designers but does require florists to be licensed. These are obtained from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. Applicants must have minimum training hours, a written exam, and proof of liability insurance.
- Stay current by joining a professional organization. Floriculture is constantly changing. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to stay on trend. Joining a professional organization such as the Oklahoma State Florists Association or the Society of American Florists can provide opportunities and educational resources.
Floral Designer Programs and Classes
Oklahoma’s floral industry is growing.
And there are several schools and online programs that teach floral design.
However, currently, no AIFD-approved, in-person courses are provided in the state.
Mid-America Technology Center
Located in Wayne, Oklahoma, MATC offers a certificate in Horticulture Technology that includes florist and floral design certifications.
Graduates will receive a Master Floral Design Certificate for this 900-hour, 34-week program with average tuition and fees costing $1,200.
Financial aid and enrollment are available to adults and high school students.
Oklahoma State University
OSU offers a Retail Floral Design Certificate.
The five-credit hour, three-course program can be completed in three semesters, with tuition and fees costing roughly $1,000 — financial aid and military discounts available.
IAP Career College
The Florist Certificate Course is an online self-paced program that usually takes six weeks to complete.
The program costs $377 for classwork, a digital textbook, and an IAPO International Association of Professional Florists membership.
Stratford Career Institute
An online introductory floral design program that provides a basic understanding of floriculture.
Self-paced, it is possible to complete the course in six months.
The program costs $899, with payment plans and discounts available.
Admission is based on Stratford’s open entrance policy.
Formal education is recommended but not required for this class.
Parental permission is required for students under 18 years old.
American Institute of Floral Designers
A national association, the AIFD supports the Certified Floral Designer designation.
If a CFD-approved provider is unavailable, the AIFD provides online education and an online evaluation, the Professional Floral Designers Evaluation (PFDE) exam, to earn AIFD and CFD level recognition.
The PFDE application costs $150 and $1,550 PFDE for the actual evaluation.
Floral Designer Schools in Oklahoma – Summary Table
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mid-America Technology Center | 27438 OK-59, Wayne, OK 73095, USA |
| Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK, USA |
| IAP Career College | Princeton, New Jersey |
| Stratford Career Institute | St. Albans, Vermont |
| American Institute of Floral Designers | 2331 Rock Spring Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050 |
Salary
Floral design in Oklahoma is a successful career choice.
The median salary in the Sooner state is $51,141, or $25 per hour.
This salary is slightly less than the national median salary of $54,702 – depending on certification and experience.
Oklahoma floral design salaries range from $32,754 to $71,516.
Most flower arranging jobs are in the larger cities of Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and their suburbs.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | $49,807 |
| Norman | $49,480 |
| Tulsa | $51,928 |
| Lawton | $46,399 |
| Broken Arrow | $51,764 |
| Edmond | $49,643 |
| Bartlesville | $51,437 |
| Enid | $49,316 |
| Stillwater | $49,316 |
| Muskogee | $51,437 |
Regional Salary in Oklahoma
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City, OK | 180 | $32,250 | $15.5 | $40,170 | $22,690 |
| Tulsa, OK | 120 | $31,890 | $15.33 | $41,730 | $21,950 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills do Oklahoma floral designers need?
A successful Oklahoma floral designer will have a strong professional commitment as they often work long hours, especially around holidays.
Other helpful skills are excellent listening and customer service skills.
Being organized and demonstrating a willingness to learn basic business skills are also necessary.
Is being a floral designer in Oklahoma stressful?
Floral design is a fast-paced environment.
Designers encounter stressful conditions, especially near holidays or when dealing with unsatisfied customers.
Last-minute changes or rush orders for birthdays and funerals can also cause stress.
What is Oklahoma's state flower?
Gaillardia pulchella, also known as Indian Blanket, was chosen in 1986 as Oklahoma’s official state wildflower.
Native to the state, it is crimson with yellow-tipped petals.
It blooms from May to August and can be found roadside and in open fields.
It also makes a sturdy and colorful addition to any garden.
What are the best flowers to grow in Oklahoma?
Peonies, roses, and daylilies thrive in Oklahoma’s rich soil and climate with little care.
However, the Iris, a very showy flower with over 200 species, is Oklahoma’s most popular and requested flower.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Floral Designer
Floral Design by State