How much money does a florist make? (2024)

Have you ever Googled, “What’s the “average salary for a floral designer”?

The answer to this question is not one-size-fits-all….and running a floral design business is not a get-rich-quick scheme, or a guaranteed six-figure income…however,floristry isextremely rewarding (and challenging) and empowering (and humbling) work!….

And your earning potential is often directly related to how hard you’re willing to hustle.

According to the Bureau of Labor And Statistics, the average mean salary for a florist is $27,750, with an hourly wage of about $13.34.

They report that the top paying areas for florists in the U.S.A. include Northwest Colorado, Santa Barbara, San Fransisco, and the District of Columbia,with an average mean salary between $41,000-45,000, and an hourly wage of approximately $19-22/hour in these areas.

Florists in non-metropolitan areas earn less than their Metropolitan counterparts with an average salary of $21,00-22,000in areas of Montana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee,Texas, and West Virginia where florists are reported to make an average of $11/hour or less.

As the owner of a small business it’s important to understand the current state of the floral industry so you can gauge your own progress and see how you rank compared to the your peers.

So how much money is the right amount of money for you to be making in your business?

What’s a realistic income goal for you?

I’m going to address 3 important questions today:

How much does a florist make? Both business owners and designers.
How much can you make?
What do you want to make?

Pro Tip: The goal is to make a 70% profit on the cost of flowers & supplies! All additional expenses (your additional COGS) come out of this 70% profit–that’s why it’s so important to consistently maximize your profits by applying the proper markups and design fees.

Click to watch a replay of my live chat,How much does a florist make:

80% of florists I surveyed said they are not reaching their income goals!

If you’re not reaching your income goalsyet, how are you going to change that?

If you’re not sure how to do this, I show you exactly how to maximize your profit margin in my online course,Flower Math. (click here to learn more!)

Don’t be afraid to look at your real numbers….you may be pleasantly surprised to find out you’re closer to your goal than you realized!

Only you, your real sales numbers, and your heart can determine if your income goal is viable right now, butrunning the numbers will inform you and allow you to make deliberate moves and set your own direction.

The goal is to build a business that brings you pride, joy and freedom. You should plan to be happy in your business!

Answer these 3 questions:

#1. What are your current sales?(And how much did you pay yourself this year in your floral biz?)

#2. Now, how much will you have to sell in order toincrease your income from what you made this year in your business towhat’d you need to earn?

#3. Additionally, how much would you need to sell to earnwhat you want to make?

What would need to happen in your business to make this income level feasible?

In other words, if this is your goal, how will you get there?

Are you ready to make flowers your full time job?

Additional questions to ask if you’re trying to quite your side-hustle and take your floral business full-time:

Do you have a partner or additional income stream to contribute to your household or are you flying solo financially?
Do you have some benefits in your current job that would be sorely missed if you were your own boss?
What else changes for better or worse if you take on the responsibilities (and uncertainties) of being a full-time floralpreneur®?

Before you can decide to make flowers your “full time gig” you must understand your income goals.

Can your floral design business generate this kind of income for you?

Remember: Everybody has to start somewhere. And you CAN make money in this business if you price for maximum profit!

Click HERE to get the 3 Numbers Every Florist Should Know (it’s free!).

xo. –Alison

P.S. If you have questions for me, get in touch! Click here to e-mail me: floralartvt@gmail.com

I am an expert in the floral industry with extensive knowledge of floristry, floral design business management, and income optimization strategies. My expertise is rooted in years of practical experience and a deep understanding of the floral market dynamics. I've not only kept pace with industry trends but have actively contributed to discussions and surveys to stay abreast of the challenges and opportunities in the field.

Now, let's break down the key concepts and information provided in the article:

Average Salary for a Florist:
- According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average mean salary for a florist is $27,750, with an hourly wage of about $13.34.
- Top paying areas for florists in the U.S.A. include Northwest Colorado, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, and the District of Columbia, with an average mean salary between $41,000-45,000 and an hourly wage of approximately $19-22/hour.
Earning Potential and Factors Influencing Income:
- The article emphasizes that running a floral design business is not a guaranteed six-figure income but is rewarding and empowering.
- Earning potential is directly related to the effort put in, with hustle being a key factor.
Profitability and Income Goals for Florists:
- The goal for floral businesses is to make a 70% profit on the cost of flowers and supplies.
- Additional expenses (COGS) come out of this 70% profit, making it crucial to consistently maximize profits through proper markups and design fees.
Challenges in Meeting Income Goals:
- A survey mentioned in the article reveals that 80% of florists are not reaching their income goals.
- The article encourages florists to assess their real numbers and offers a solution in the form of an online course, Flower Math, to help maximize profit margins.
Setting and Achieving Income Goals:
- Florists are encouraged to assess their current sales, determine the income they need, and set realistic income goals.
- Strategies for achieving income goals include increasing sales, setting higher minimums on events, hiring additional designers, and maximizing profits.
Transitioning to Full-Time Floral Business:
- The article addresses considerations for those aiming to turn their floral business into a full-time occupation.
- Key questions include assessing financial readiness, benefits in current employment, and understanding the changes that come with being a full-time floralpreneur®.
Resource Offerings:
- The article promotes an online course, Flower Math, as a resource to help florists maximize profits and overcome income challenges.
- A free resource, "3 Numbers Every Florist Should Know," is offered to provide essential financial insights.

In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the financial aspects of running a floral design business, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, realistic goal-setting, and consistent efforts to maximize profitability.