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The dog grooming industry is becoming increasingly popular in South Dakota.
If you want to work as a dog groomer, you first need to train and develop your skills.
Read on the following article for more info on the licensing process and median salaries.
Article Table of Contents
South Dakota Requirements to Become a Dog Groomer
To work as a dog groomer, you have to enjoy being around animals.
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You should have good physical stamina and be able to pick up the animals when needed.
You will also have to be patient with animals and sociable with their owners.
A dog groomer should know how to maintain good hygiene in their workspace.
Dog Grooming Duties and Responsibilities
Being a dog groomer will require you to complete some tasks every day.
One of these is checking the animal’s fur to notice if there is any skin infection.
You will also need to bathe and brush the dog or style its coat.
Other common tasks include trimming the animal’s nails and cleaning its ears.
You should also know what that particular breed of dog you are grooming looks like.
Training and Certification in South Carolina
South Dakota is one of the states that doesn’t require certification by law.
Many companies who employ dog groomers, however, do request it.
In this state, you can get 2 certifications that allow you to practice.
Both of these certifications are offered through The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
The first one is The National Certified Groomer.
To get this license, you have to pass an exam that consists of both theory and practice.
To be eligible for the exam, you first need to attend a training program that is approved by the NDGAA.
To get into a program, you should show proof of your high school diploma or its equivalent.
The theory courses include the following topics:
- Introduction to grooming
- Grooming dogs
- Grooming cats
- Tools to use
- How to run a successful business
- Grooming matted fur and troublesome breeds
- Anatomy and biology
- Breed and coat recognition
- Safety precautions and first aid
The second certification you can get is the National Certified Master Groomer.
This license requires an additional written exam.
Having these certifications will not only provide better pay but also more career options and network opportunities.
Employment and Salary Information
In South Dakota, entry-level dog grooming positions earn about $19,332 per year.
After getting your certification, you can get hired in an animal hospital, dog grooming salon, pet store, or similar facility.
Dog groomers who have some experience have an average salary of $29,743 a year.
Your salary range will also depend on the area where you live.
If you live in a larger region, your salary will also be higher.
You can earn more if you have your own dog grooming business, or work for a large company.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Sioux Falls | $30,452 |
| Rapid City | $30,156 |
| Aberdeen | $28,318 |
| Brookings | $29,930 |
| Watertown | $29,930 |
| Mitchell | $29,930 |
| Yankton | $29,263 |
| Pierre | $28,839 |
| Huron | $29,124 |
| Spearfish | $29,635 |
Regional Salary in South Dakota
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid City, SD | 210 | $27,320 | $13.14 | $33,990 | $22,510 |
| Sioux Falls, SD | 310 | $30,360 | $14.59 | $36,970 | $23,630 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
If you are ready to start looking for a job in the industry, you might need some professional resources.
The most important dog grooming organization in South Dakota is the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Other resources in this state include:
- Sioux Falls Humane Society
- Aberdeen Area Humane Society
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State