Aside from stunning beaches and wonderful sights, Hawaii’s also home to many dogs and dog lovers.
With the state blossoming, it’s no wonder that modern careers are rising here.
And one of those is dog grooming.
Pups love sand and water, which is why we need more good dog groomers here.
If you’re thinking of becoming one, this quick guide can help you decide easier.
So read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
Dog Groomer: What It Entails
People assume that a dog groomer simply cuts and styles a dog’s hair.
But there’s more to this job than what it appears on the surface.
Dog grooming consists of several important tasks.
Essentially, you’ll take good care of dogs so they can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
After all, a well-groomed dog is a happy and healthy one.
Your tasks include:
- Combing, detangling, and cutting coat
- Bathing and drying
- Clipping nails
- Cleaning eyes, ears, and teeth
Skills and Competencies
Who else is there to help those pooches look amazing besides you?
That’s why, in this career, it’s important to establish a connection with your canine clients.
Doing so makes it easier to keep them calm and relaxed and feel safe during the grooming session.
Luckily, you’ll learn plenty of calming methods during your training, as well as how to approach dogs with different temperaments.
At times, you may have to do special cuts and styles to cater to the pet owner’s demands.
(Or maybe prep them for a dog show.)
Soon or later, you’ll gain a group of regular customers who appreciate your services.
Requirements to Become a Dog Groomer in Hawaii
Just like many US states, Hawaii doesn’t have a federal agency that controls dog groomers.
People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enroll in a dog grooming program.
So before you can start working, better make sure to graduate successfully from the program.
Doing so makes it easier for you to attain career advancements in the future.
Dog Grooming Program in Hawaii
A dog grooming program helps you attain the skills needed to work as a dog groomer.
The good news is, these programs can be done online.
In as little as two months, you’ll be learning the following:
- Dog grooming fundamentals
- Pre-grooming procedures
- Dog behavior and personalities
- Business practices
The Cost
The cost of a dog grooming program in Hawaii is just under $600.
It’s a reasonable price for a comprehensive and intense dog grooming education.
Plus, the cost also covers everything you’ll need like books, tools and equipment, community support, etc.
Additional Resources
What you’ll get from the program is packed with the fundamentals.
But you should also read other materials to enrich your understanding of the industry you’re entering.
Here are some websites you can refer to in your downtime.
- Hawaiian Humane Society
- Hawaii Island Humane Society
- West Hawaii Humane Society
- International Professional Groomers, Inc.
- National Dog Groomers Association of America
Popular Programs
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Veterinary AssistantVeterinary TechnicianDog ObediencePet GroomingSponsored Online Programs.Work Opportunities in Hawaii
With the rise of modern careers like dog grooming, you won’t lack work options in this state.
Most newbie dog groomers get employed at:
- Pet stores
- Dog kennels
- Vet clinics
- Humane societies
Some of them will start to dabble in opening up a dog grooming business.
And a few of them will do volunteer work to sharpen their skills and enhance their understanding.
Potential Salary in Hawaii
Dog grooming is one of the fastest-rising industries in the U.S.
Because of it, the average annual salary can reach $37,401 as of January 2022 (Salary.com).
This number isn’t absolute; it can still vary from place to place.
And depending on the level of your expertise:
- Beginners can earn around $24,000 a year
- High caliber groomers can earn around $55,000 a year
The data below shows your potential earnings if you belong to a certain percentile.
| Percentile | Salary |
| 10% | $24,410 |
| 25% | $30,601 |
| 50% | $37,401 |
| 75% | $46,701 |
| 90% | $55,168 |
Meanwhile, below is a table showing the salaries of different Hawaiian cities.
Average Annual Salary by City
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aiea, HI | $35,066 |
| Anahola, HI | $34,830 |
| Camp H M Smith, HI | $35,066 |
| Captain Cook, HI | $34,830 |
| Eleele, HI | $34,830 |
| Ewa Beach, HI | $35,066 |
| Fort Shafter, HI | $35,066 |
| Haiku, HI | $34,830 |
| Hakalau, HI | $34,830 |
| Haleiwa, HI | $34,830 |
| Hana, HI | $34,830 |
| Hanalei, HI | $34,830 |
| Hanamaulu, HI | $34,830 |
| Hanapepe, HI | $34,830 |
| Hauula, HI | $34,909 |
| Hawaii National Park, HI | $34,830 |
| Hawi, HI | $34,830 |
| Hilo, HI | $34,830 |
| Holualoa, HI | $34,830 |
| Honaunau, HI | $34,830 |
| Honokaa, HI | $34,830 |
| Honolulu, HI | $35,066 |
| Honomu, HI | $34,830 |
| Hoolehua, HI | $34,830 |
| J B P H H, HI | $35,066 |
| Kaaawa, HI | $34,972 |
| Kahuku, HI | $34,830 |
| Kahului, HI | $34,830 |
| Kailua, HI | $35,066 |
| Kailua Kona, HI | $34,830 |
| Kalaheo, HI | $34,830 |
| Kalaupapa, HI | $34,830 |
| Kamuela, HI | $34,830 |
| Kaneohe, HI | $35,066 |
| Kapaa, HI | $34,830 |
| Kapaau, HI | $34,830 |
| Kapolei, HI | $34,988 |
| Kaumakani, HI | $34,830 |
| Kaunakakai, HI | $34,830 |
| Keaau, HI | $34,830 |
| Kealakekua, HI | $34,830 |
| Kealia, HI | $34,830 |
| Keauhou, HI | $34,830 |
| Kekaha, HI | $34,830 |
| Kihei, HI | $34,830 |
| Kilauea, HI | $34,830 |
| Koloa, HI | $34,830 |
| Kualapuu, HI | $34,830 |
| Kula, HI | $34,830 |
| Kunia, HI | $34,956 |
| Kurtistown, HI | $34,830 |
| Lahaina, HI | $34,830 |
| Laie, HI | $34,862 |
| Lanai City, HI | $34,830 |
| Laupahoehoe, HI | $34,830 |
| Lawai, HI | $34,830 |
| Lihue, HI | $34,830 |
| M C B H Kaneohe Bay, HI | $35,050 |
| Makawao, HI | $34,830 |
| Makaweli, HI | $34,830 |
| Maunaloa, HI | $34,830 |
| Mililani, HI | $35,003 |
| Mountain View, HI | $34,830 |
| Naalehu, HI | $34,830 |
| Ninole, HI | $34,830 |
| Ocean View, HI | $34,830 |
| Ookala, HI | $34,830 |
| Paauilo, HI | $34,830 |
| Pahala, HI | $34,830 |
| Pahoa, HI | $34,830 |
| Paia, HI | $34,830 |
| Papaaloa, HI | $34,830 |
| Papaikou, HI | $34,830 |
| Pearl City, HI | $35,066 |
| Pepeekeo, HI | $34,830 |
| Princeville, HI | $34,830 |
| Pukalani, HI | $34,830 |
| Puunene, HI | $34,830 |
| Schofield Barracks, HI | $34,940 |
| Tripler Army Medical Center, HI | $35,066 |
| Volcano, HI | $34,830 |
| Wahiawa, HI | $34,956 |
| Waialua, HI | $34,830 |
| Waianae, HI | $34,862 |
| Waikoloa, HI | $34,830 |
| Wailuku, HI | $34,830 |
| Waimanalo, HI | $35,066 |
| Waimea, HI | $34,830 |
| Waipahu, HI | $35,050 |
| Wake Island, HI | $35,066 |
| Wheeler Army Airfield, HI | $34,972 |
Regional Salary in Hawaii
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului-Wailuku-Lahaina, HI | 40 | $36,820 | $17.7 | $63,240 | $27,350 |
| Urban Honolulu, HI | 320 | $37,220 | $17.9 | $54,290 | $24,390 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Words
Do you see now how easy it is to start and build your career as a dog groomer?
The toughest part of the whole process is actually dedicating yourself to one vocation.
Once you’re over that, everything else will follow.
Believe us, dog grooming is a terrific option as a first, or even a second, job!
You’ll be working with the best customers in the world: dogs.
Isn’t that a dream come true?
How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State
