How to Become a Dog Groomer in South Carolina

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South Carolina offers many opportunities for dog groomers.

So, if you love animals, this could be a rewarding profession.

Check out the information below in order to learn what are the requirements in this state.

South Carolina Requirements to Become a Dog Groomer

To be a successful dog groomer, you need to show kindness and empathy to animals.

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You should also be calm, patient, and know how to keep them relaxed.

You should be in good physical standing and able to stand for a few hours at a time.

It is also essential that you have solid communication skills and are sociable.

Dog Grooming Duties and Responsibilities

When a dog arrives at the salon, you should check its fur and skin.

This will help you realize whether there are any signs of skin disease or infections.

You will be asked to cut the dog’s nails, shave its fur, and wash it.

You may also have to style or color its fur.

Last but not least, you should keep your workspace disinfected and clean at all times.

Training and Certification in South Carolina

Although you will not need a certification to practice, you will need one to get hired.

Before you can be issued a license, you have to attend a training program to develop your skills.

The program should be accredited by The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).

To enroll in a trade school, you need a high school diploma and to pass a background check.

Some of the training classes include subjects such as:

  • Introduction to grooming
  • Grooming dogs
  • Grooming cats
  • Tools to use
  • How to run a successful business

Many dog training programs are available online as well.

So, you can complete your training even if you have another job.

The programs vary in length but usually last for about 8 weeks.

However, some students choose to pursue higher education.

You can get a specialization as well, which will provide better chances for a job.

In this case, you can expect the training to last up to one year.

After you finish the training program through your chosen trade school, you need to pass some exams.

The exams will cover theory as well as practice.

Passing these exams means you will be able to receive your dog grooming certification.

Employment and Salary Information

In South Carolina, dog groomers earn a median salary of about $32,523 per year.

But, how much you will earn depends on several factors.

One of these is your location, as you can earn a higher salary in bigger cities.

If you have some experience in the industry you will also be able to earn more.

Another way of increasing your salary is by starting your own dog grooming company.

In any case, you should expect your first position to be paid less if you just finished school.

Annual Salary Range:
$21K
$32K
$47K
10%
50%
90%
Annual Salary by Location:
Location Avg. Annual Salary
Charleston $32,996
Columbia $32,634
North Charleston $32,996
Mount Pleasant $32,996
Rock Hill $34,201
Greenville $33,900
Summerville $32,851
Goose Creek $32,948
Sumter $31,070
Hilton Head Island $32,270

Regional Salary in South Carolina

Region Employed Avg. Annual Salary Avg. Hourly Pay Top 10% Annual Salary Bottom 10% Annual Salary
Charleston-North Charleston, SC880$27,770$13.35$37,220$18,700
Columbia, SC1,050$28,780$13.84$40,200$21,120
Florence, SC90$26,330$12.66$35,000$18,190
Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC810$28,360$13.63$37,750$21,780
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC280$30,010$14.43$39,520$21,960
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC430$27,140$13.05$36,160$18,880
Spartanburg, SC220$27,290$13.12$37,440$20,210
Sumter, SC70$25,310$12.17$27,900$19,860
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 39-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Dog Grooming Schools in South Carolina

School Name Address
Sunnyside Grooming Salon 10 Reid School Rd, Taylors, SC 29687,
Greenville Technical College P.O. Box 5616 Greenville, SC 29606
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Additional Information

Now that you have your license, you can start searching for a job.

Maybe you need some career resources, and South Carolina has some places you can check out.

One of these is The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).

Some other organizations worth looking into include:

  • American Kennel Club (AKC)
  • South Carolina Humane Society
  • South Carolina Dog Training Directory
  • National Dog Groomers Association of America

USA Dog Grooming by State


3 Comments
  1. Avatar for Natalie Jean Papandrea Natalie Jean Papandrea

    Looking for a mobile groomer in Murrells Inlet.

  2. Avatar for Jane Misra Jane Misra

    Dog people mobile dog grooming services Beaufort county and is always looking for great groomers and bathers! people@dogpeople.dog

  3. Avatar for Charles Odimgbe Charles Odimgbe

    Bed, Bath & Biscuits LLC is looking for a pet groomer in the Lexington SC area. If you have any students or graduating students looking for placement, please let us know. Thanks.

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Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!

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