Many Americans are not familiar with the word “horticulture;” they see it as a hobby, not a career, according to research from Seed Your Future.
Seed Your Future, the industry organization charged with growing interest in horticulture careers, and North Carolina State University are hoping to educate Americans and change that perception with a second Horticulture Industry Salary & Benefits Survey, now open for submissions through February.
Building on the success of the 2022 survey, the initiative seeks to provide deeper insights into wages, benefits and employment trends across the horticulture industry, including floriculture businesses.
“Providing data on horticulture salaries helps employers plan strategically for the future, while giving students and job seekers a realistic understanding of potential career earnings,” says Jazmin Albarran, executive director of Seed Your Future. “This is critical for breaking down misconceptions about horticulture as a career and showing its real potential.”
The previous survey, which included 316 respondents, highlighted floriculture as the leading segment, with 100 businesses participating. Findings revealed a broad range of salaries and benefits, showcasing the industry’s potential for career growth and financial success. For example, floral designer salaries ranged from $23,000 to $83,000, while IT managers in floriculture earned between $56,000 and $163,000. Executive roles, such as CEOs in floriculture, reached an average annual salary of $270,000.
Floriculture Participation Needed
With labor costs rising and competition for skilled workers increasing, Albarran emphasizes the importance of strong participation in this year’s survey. She believes the data is not only vital for employers but also for the industry’s long-term growth and ability to attract fresh talent.
“Floral businesses have so much to gain by participating,” Albarran says. “The more data we gather, the more accurate and actionable the insights we can share. Employers can benchmark their compensation packages, better attract and retain employees, and ultimately help strengthen the floral industry.”
The 2022 survey also revealed significant insights into benefits, an area where younger job seekers place growing importance. While many businesses offer standard benefits like paid time off and medical coverage, unique perks such as flexible work environments, wellness days and profit sharing were also reported. These findings align with the expectations of younger generations, such as Gen Z, who value holistic support in their workplaces.
“Young professionals are looking for more than a paycheck,” Albarran explains. “They want benefits that speak to their values — like professional development opportunities, mental health resources and flexible schedules. Employers who respond to these needs will be better positioned to secure the talent they need.”
Future Impact
The survey results, to be released in 2025, will allow Seed Your Future to track trends, draw connections between variables like region and education, and advocate for policies and practices that support industry growth.
“The data we collect now will shape the future of our industry, helping us grow not only in numbers but in value and impact,” Albarran says.
For more information and to take the survey, visit Seed Your Future’s survey page.
Amanda Jedlinsky is the senior director of content and communications for the Society of American Florists.
