Budding Business: The Real Earnings of Florists on Mother's Day and Beyond
How much money do florists truly make? - The Real Deal behind Florists' Crafted Products
Looking for some stunning blooms for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day? You're not alone! These holidays are special occasions that bring foot traffic into flower shops, even for those who rarely visit. But have you ever wondered why a medium-sized bouquet can be a bit of a splurge? Well, it's not just the cost of flowers and delivery – the florists themselves need to make a living too!
Despite their vital role in these key calendar events, florists don't typically rank amongst the highest earners. This is surprising given that it requires three laborious years of vocational training, classifying it as a "skilled occupation." Let's take a closer look at the reality of their income.
Navigating Through Modest Earnings for Florists
According to the Federal Employment Agency's wage atlas, the average monthly salary for florists is a modest 2,220 euros gross and full-time. Although this figure can vary, with a quarter of florists earning less than 1,902 euros and another quarter earning more than 2,495 euros, it's still one of the lower-paid vocational occupations[2].
Last year, there was a ray of hope as the relevant trade union IG Bau and the Association of German Florists (FDF) agreed on a two-stage wage increase. Effective as of July 1, 2024, wages will bump up by 2.5 to 6 percent[3]. Add another 2.5 to 4.75 percent from July 1, 2025, and the hourly wage will be 15.48 euros. This collective agreement runs until June 30, 2026. Although these minimum wages apply only to the western collective agreement area, employees in eastern German federal states can currently rely on the general statutory minimum wage, which is now 12.82 euros per hour[4].
- Mother's Day
- Valentine's Day
- Florist
- Bouquet of flowers
- Federal Employment Agency
- IG Bau
Despite falling short of the top earners, florists play an essential role in enhancing the beauty of our worlds—and our special moments. It's worth noting that, while these averages provide a general idea of florists' earnings, more precise information on recent wage increases specific to the industry can be found in industry reports and union agreements[5].
- Paylab.de
- BA-Berufeprüfungen
- IG Bau
- ARGE MHiB
- FDF
- The free movement of workers within the community trade policy could help florists in different regions compare their wages with those in other areas, potentially leading to increased fairness and a better lifestyle for florists who aspire for better financial opportunities.
- To help bridge the gap between florists' modest earnings and the cost of products like fashion-and-beauty items, home-and-garden accessories, or education-and-self-development resources, customers might consider providing small financial contributions to their local florists when purchasing bouquets on special occasions such as Mother's Day or Valentine's Day.
- After young florists complete their three-year vocational training, they might find it beneficial to brush up on skills in other areas, such as finance, lifestyle management, or entrepreneurship, in order to develop a fashionable and versatile career that extends beyond the floral industry, catering to their diverse passions and interests.
