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Jobs in the pet grooming industry are growing in North Carolina.
So, take a look at the requirements, licensing process, and salaries.
This info will give you a better idea of what to expect before getting hired.
Article Table of Contents
North Carolina Requirements to Become a Dog Groomer
A dog groomer should show kindness and patience with animals.
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
You should have solid communication skills and be able to socialize with the dog owners.
You should also know how to keep good hygiene in your workspace.
Being in good physical standing is also a plus in this industry.
Dog Grooming Duties and Responsibilities
You will be required to observe the dog and see if their skin and nails are healthy.
You will have to bathe the dog, clip its nails, and color or style it coat if needed.
It is also important to keep the dog calm and relaxed while being groomed.
Another job duty is to clean the ears, nails, and fur of the dog.
Some owners may ask you to shave the dog, especially in hot weather.
Training and Certification in North Carolina
Dog groomers in North Carolina don’t need any certification to practice.
But, having a certification will allow you to get hired much faster, as most companies prefer it.
The licensing for dog groomers are handled by The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
In order to get a certification, you should get enrolled in a training program.
Most of the programs only have a duration of 2 months, and some can be attended online.
The school you choose should be accredited by The National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Some candidates decide to pursue a specialization, for increased credentials.
In that case, you can expect the program to last at least 6 months and up to a year.
During class, you will learn about topics such as:
- Introduction to grooming
- Grooming dogs
- Grooming cats
- Tools to use
- How to run a successful business
Finishing the training program will mean you can sit for the exam.
The exam is usually comprised of a series of tests, in both theory and practice.
After you pass them, you will be handled your certification and you can start looking for a job.
Employment and Salary Information
In North Carolina, you can expect to make about $27,500 a year on average.
However, how much money you earn depends on various factors.
For example, you will be able to earn more if you live in a bigger area or own a pet grooming salon.
if you start your own business, you can have a salary of $50,000 a year or more.
Most pet gomers get hired in pet salons, pet hospitals, or larger pet shops.
As an entry-level, you can expect to be paid about $10.00 per hour.
The most lucrative regions for dog groomers in North Carolina are Charlotte, Raleigh, and High Point.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charlotte | $34,037 |
| Raleigh | $33,336 |
| Greensboro | $33,206 |
| Durham | $33,151 |
| Winston Salem | $33,287 |
| Fayetteville | $31,883 |
| Cary | $33,336 |
| Wilmington | $31,692 |
| High Point | $33,405 |
| Greenville | $33,092 |
Regional Salary in North Carolina
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC | 680 | $30,890 | $14.85 | $38,090 | $22,270 |
| Burlington, NC | 90 | $32,590 | $15.67 | $37,990 | $22,140 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 2,800 | $31,210 | $15 | $37,460 | $23,100 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | 520 | $32,360 | $15.56 | $39,550 | $23,010 |
| Fayetteville, NC | 210 | $28,750 | $13.82 | $35,280 | $21,530 |
| Goldsboro, NC | 50 | $28,580 | $13.74 | $34,680 | $22,520 |
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | 540 | $30,440 | $14.64 | $37,700 | $21,820 |
| Greenville, NC | 110 | $28,190 | $13.55 | $33,830 | $19,220 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | 260 | $30,340 | $14.59 | $37,990 | $21,590 |
| Jacksonville, NC | 240 | $26,330 | $12.66 | $34,480 | $18,440 |
| New Bern, NC | 80 | $26,850 | $12.91 | $35,680 | $19,810 |
| Raleigh, NC | 1,600 | $32,250 | $15.5 | $38,190 | $23,030 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | 70 | $27,260 | $13.1 | $37,900 | $18,570 |
| Wilmington, NC | 530 | $29,900 | $14.38 | $34,900 | $22,450 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | 450 | $29,370 | $14.12 | $36,620 | $21,510 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Dog Grooming Schools in North Carolina
Earn your accredited, affordable Pet and Dog Grooming Certificate online with Penn Foster in as little as 2 months!
School Name
Address
American Kennel Club
8051 Arco Corporate Drive, Suite 100 Raleigh, NC 27617-3390
Grateful Pets Professional Dog / Pet Grooming & Boarding
8824-B Bellhaven Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28214
Nanhall Pet Spa Boarding & Grooming
123 Manley Ave Greensboro, NC 27407
South Charlotte Dog Grooming School
3919 Providence Rd. South
Waxhaw NC 28173
Learn to Groomadog
9046 Beach Dr SW, Calabash, NC 28467
Additional Information
Now that you got your certification, you can start your new career in the dog grooming field.
You may also want to learn more and get more resources in the industry.
For that, you can have a look at organizations such as The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA).
Some other resources include:
- International Association of Professional Groomers
- The Humane Society of the U.S./North Carolina.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Dog / Pet Groomer
Dog Grooming by State