by 
There are many pet owners in Illinois and the pet grooming industry keeps growing.
If you love animals and want to help your community, being a dog groomer might suit you well.
But first, read on in order to learn more about this job and what it entails.
Article Table of Contents
Job Requirements in Illinois
If you want to work in this industry, there are some character traits you must have, such as:
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
- Have patience and keep your calm
- Solid communication skills
- Ability to work well with other people
- Be empathetic and care for animals
As a dog groomer, you should also know how to groom cats.
Cats need a different type of treatment compared to dogs.
Some of the daily tasks when grooming a cat include:
- Trimming the nails of the animal
- Shampooing the cat
- Brushing and sometimes shaving its fur
- Style the cat’s coat
- Clean the cat’s ears
Job Description and Duties
As a dog groomer, you will need to complete some daily tasks.
These include but aren’t limited to:
- Clip the nails of the animal
- Bathe the animal
- Style the fur of the dog
- Know how to keep the dog calm
- Ability to stand for hours at a time
Some of the skills a dog groomer should have include:
- Know what tools need to be used based on the task
- Know how to use all the working tools
- Know the dog breeds and what the dog is meant to look like
- Know how to clean the ears of the animal
In addition to these skills, you will also be required to keep your work area clean.
This means cleaning after each dog and in between appointments.
Education and Licensing in Illinois
While getting a certification to work as a dog groomer in Illinois is not required, you should still get one.
A certification will help you get hired faster in a dog salon or a vet clinic.
To get a certification, you will first need to attend a training program.
These programs only last for about 2 months, and you need a high school diploma or an equivalent.
After you complete the program, you have to take a pass a certification exam.
In class, you will learn about a variety of topics, which include the following:
- Introduction to Pet Grooming
- Introduction to Dogs and Cats
- Pre-Grooming Procedures
- Dog Grooming
- Dog Personalities and Behavior
- Cat Grooming
- Business Practices
Salary Information in Illinois
In this state, the salary range for pet groomers is between $23,162 and $52,517 a year.
Although when you first start you will make less money, your salary will increase after you get experience.
You can also earn a higher salary if you take more appointments and work in a large city.
These cities include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Elgin.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $36,780 |
| Aurora | $36,455 |
| Joliet | $35,739 |
| Rockford | $34,348 |
| Naperville | $36,036 |
| Springfield | $32,026 |
| Peoria | $33,515 |
| Elgin | $36,188 |
| Waukegan | $34,686 |
| Champaign | $32,595 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 200 | $30,920 | $14.87 | $43,270 | $24,960 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 140 | $30,950 | $14.88 | $41,870 | $24,960 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 170 | $30,660 | $14.74 | $37,680 | $24,960 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 8,330 | $34,710 | $16.69 | $48,540 | $26,450 |
| Decatur, IL | 80 | $30,560 | $14.69 | $45,050 | $24,960 |
| Kankakee, IL | 70 | $30,700 | $14.76 | $43,040 | $24,960 |
| Peoria, IL | 270 | $30,340 | $14.59 | $43,140 | $24,960 |
| Rockford, IL | 210 | $30,860 | $14.84 | $43,890 | $24,960 |
| Springfield, IL | 140 | $31,680 | $15.23 | $44,520 | $24,960 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in Illinois
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Midwest School of Pet Grooming | 3976 Route 22, Ste C Long Grove, Illinois 60047 |
| Illinois Grooming Academy | |
| Beach for Dogs - Dog Trainer - Top Rated in Downers Grove | 790 Royal Saint George Dr. Suite 119-121 Naperville, IL 60563 |
| Great Lakes Academy of Professional Pet Styling | 12324 W 143rd St, Homer Glen, IL 60491 |
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
Additional Information
Before you start your career, you might need some extra info.
Check out the sites below that might help you in your job search:
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
- Illinois Dog Grooming Directory
- Illinois Dog Groomer Jobs
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
After you attend a training course and get your certification, many career opportunities will open up for you.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State