The A.A.S. degree in Commercial Floriculture meets the objectives of students preparing to enter the business of flower shop, greenhouse operations, and interior-scaping. The program intends to teach people to design floral arrangements and decorations using various containers, flowers, and accessories. It also provides instruction in plant cultivation and care, retail and wholesale marketing, and shop operations. The student in this program will receive on-the-job training as well as a sound background for a career in greenhouse or floral shop operations.

Nature of Work
Workers in floral shop occupations are responsible for creating and selling floral arrangements using fresh cut flowers. Floral designers also must design beautiful silk and dry floral arrangements. Workers in interiorscaping care for indoor gardens and planting in commercial and public facilities such as malls, hotels, and botanical gardens. Greenhouse workers are responsible for the growing of bedding and flowering pot plants that will be sold in flower shops and mass merchandiser outlets. Garden Center managers will market and sell a variety of plant materials and non-plant items in the garden center.

Jobs
Floral designers, shop managers, greenhouse growers, interiorscapers, department heads, or supervisors.

Employers
Floral shops, greenhouses, garden centers, interiorscape companies, and some large grocery stores that feature floral services.

Outlook
Employment opportunities in floral design are expected to be favorable over the next 5 to 10 years. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. The opportunities are offered to those who have completed a 2-year (or more) associate program.

Earnings
Nationally, average starting salaries in 1996 were $5.85/hr. Designers with 1-3 years of experience earned $6.94. Managers had average earnings of $10.10/hr. Locally, average starting salaries are about $11,000-$13,000/yr. With experience, salaries can exceed $18,000/yr. or more for managerial positions.

Tech Prep
Commercial Floriculture is currently designed for Tech Prep. Students in High School should contact their High School Counselor.

Earnings vary greatly according to location, experience, and individual.