How to Become a Dog Groomer in South Carolina

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The dog grooming industry keeps on growing in South Carolina.

So, if you have a talent for it, all you need to do is train and get some experience with dogs.

Read more about the steps you should take, below!

Dog Groomer Job Description and Duties in South Carolina

A dog groomer takes care of the animal’s appearance according to its breed and personality.

However, you will have quite a lot of job duties to fulfill daily.

These include the following:

  • Cutting, clipping, and styling a dog’s coat
  • Bathing dogs
  • Clipping a dog’s nails
  • Interacting with dog owners
  • Knowing the hygienic care for each dog breed
  • Teeth brushing
  • Knowing how to restrain animals
  • Calming the dogs
  • Identify problem areas

Your duties will also include:

  • Cleaning and maintenance of the workplace
  • Cleaning and maintaining your tools
  • Knowing which tools to use for what task
  • Safely operating the tools
  • Staying updated with styling trends
  • Staying informed on the industry changes

Dog Groomer Job Requirements in South Carolina

Many of the dog grooming facilities also offer services to other animals like cats or exotic pets.

This means that you have to know how to groom these pets and understand their behavior.

A good dog groomer also needs to have good communication skills.

You need to have a talent in communicating with the owner of the animal and explain to them any details they are curious about.

Some other skills you must have are patience and compassion.

Dog Groomers’ Education and Certification in South Carolina

In South Carolina, there aren’t any particular laws that require certification for this job.

What you should have is experience with animals and specifically dogs.

Despite the state not requiring certification, numerous employers do ask for it.

So, you will have to complete some steps in order to get certified.

Dog Groomers’ Education in South Carolina

First of all, you have to attend a training program offered through an approved school in South Carolina.

If you live in this state, it will not be difficult to find a program that fits your needs.

After you complete your training program, the next step is taking a certification exam and passing it.

Passing the exam will allow you to get the needed certification and start working.

In class, you will attend the following subjects:

  • Introduction to Pet Grooming
  • Introduction to Dogs and Cats
  • Pre-Grooming Procedures
  • Dog Grooming, Part 1
  • Dog Grooming, Part 2
  • Dog Grooming, Part 3
  • Dog Personalities and Behavior
  • Cat Grooming
  • Business Practices

The dog grooming training program will include a mix of theory and clinical practice.

Dog Groomers’ Certification in South Carolina

If you want to get employed by a dog grooming facility, you don’t need any other certification.

However, things change if you decide to start your own dog grooming business.

If so, you will need to get a commercial license for which you have to know the laws at the federal and state level.

Dog Groomers’ Employment and Salary in South Carolina

The next natural step upon receiving your certification is to start applying to jobs in the field.

You can find work in a dog grooming facility such as:

  • Dog rescues
  • Veterinary clinics
  • Pet grooming salons
  • Pet shops
  • Dog daycare centers

You might also be looking for the median salaries for a dog groomer in South Carolina.

You can easily make more money if you start your dog grooming company.

The median salary for an entry-level dog groomer in South Carolina is $29,000 a year.

If you live in a larger area or work for a bigger facility, you will get better career opportunities.

Annual Salary Range:
$27K
$33K
$41K

Average Salary of Dog Groomers in South Carolina

City NameSalary
Columbia$33,201
Charleston$34,101
North Charleston$34,101
Greenville$34,101
Rock Hill$35,301
Mount Pleasant$34,101
Spartanburg$33,501
Sumter$32,101
Hilton Head Island$33,501
Florence$32,301
* Salary information last updated 2024

Regional Salary in South Carolina

RegionEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Charleston-North Charleston, SC860$31,260$15.03$42,980$21,740
Columbia, SC1,210$29,790$14.32$38,540$19,160
Florence, SC110$30,130$14.48$45,230$18,220
Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, SC820$29,510$14.19$38,340$22,350
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, SC340$32,590$15.67$46,540$23,050
Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC-NC530$28,280$13.6$37,610$19,010
Spartanburg, SC250$28,950$13.92$37,710$20,050
Sumter, SC60$26,720$12.85$37,340$21,210
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Animal Caretakers, OCC Code 39-2021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Additional Information for Dog Groomers in South Carolina

Even after you find a job, you will still need to keep up to date with the changes in the industry as it evolves.

The following resources could help you keep updated:

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

Remember that the most important part of getting a good job is to receive the proper training.

Like this, you will be able to enjoy many years in a field you love.

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