How to Become a Pet Groomer in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina employs about 9,730 pet groomers earning a median $30,870 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most pet groomers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in North Carolina.
Key Facts
- Median wage (North Carolina): $30,870/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in North Carolina: 9,730 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 1.15x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 12.1% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
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North Carolina employs approximately 9,730 pet groomers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $30,870 1. Nationally, pet groomer employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 74,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a pet groomer in North Carolina, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Pet Groomer Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Animal Caretakers Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), animal caretakers wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | 2,690 | $33,530 | $34,990 | $25,760 | $46,870 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | 1,990 | $30,870 | $33,900 | $27,680 | $43,890 |
| Raleigh-Cary | 1,650 | $32,400 | $34,430 | $24,350 | $46,010 |
| Greensboro-High Point | 670 | $30,700 | $33,420 | $21,810 | $45,920 |
| Wilmington | 610 | $29,520 | $32,020 | $23,680 | $43,880 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 600 | $33,960 | $35,790 | $24,530 | $50,350 |
| Asheville | 570 | $33,530 | $35,980 | $24,020 | $50,440 |
| Winston-Salem | 430 | $30,340 | $34,050 | $22,420 | $47,130 |
| Jacksonville | 250 | $30,460 | $32,330 | $23,390 | $43,550 |
| Fayetteville | 230 | $29,070 | $32,320 | $21,450 | $42,770 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton | 230 | $29,310 | $32,590 | $22,250 | $44,380 |
| Greenville | 180 | $31,550 | $31,260 | $21,500 | $36,670 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines | 150 | $28,200 | $31,020 | $21,550 | $43,430 |
| Burlington | 80 | $33,010 | $33,710 | $23,110 | $46,420 |
| Goldsboro | 60 | $31,130 | $31,930 | $21,970 | $37,650 |
| Rocky Mount | 60 | $28,520 | $31,200 | $18,900 | $46,700 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (North Carolina): $30,870 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pet Groomer in North Carolina
How to become a pet groomer in North Carolina? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for pet groomers in North Carolina.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do pet groomers earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for pet groomers in North Carolina is $30,870 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $23,210 and experienced professionals can earn $46,120 or more 1.
How to Become a Pet Groomer in North Carolina
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most North Carolina training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in North Carolina that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to pet groomers in North Carolina before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pet groomers in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 9,730 pet groomers 1. Nationally, pet groomer employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Carolina.
How much do pet groomers earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pet groomers in North Carolina is $30,870, which is $2,600 below the national median of $33,470 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |