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How to get a pet groomer license — salary included

A Amy Kim · 교육혁신팀 Published
Key points

A complete guide to becoming a certified pet groomer in Korea — covering job duties, the Level 3 and Level 2 license paths, and starting salaries.

Hello, this is Kolleges.

For those of you who love companion animals and want to look into the pet groomer license — a profession dedicated to their health and beauty — we’ve prepared this guide.

Today, as the companion animal population grows rapidly, interest in related professions has risen as well. Pet groomers in particular play an important role in managing the appearance and improving the health of companion animals.

Today we’ll go through what a pet groomer does, how to become one, and what the salary looks like.

What a pet groomer does. What a pet groomer does. What a pet groomer does. What a pet groomer does.

A pet groomer handling grooming tasks like nail, coat, and ear care for companion animals

First, let’s start with what a pet groomer does. The exact term we commonly call a “pet groomer” is actually “companion-animal groomer.” When you say companion animal, it’s easy to think only of dogs, but the scope actually extends to cats and other small animals as well.

Pet groomers are basically responsible for the grooming and cleanliness of companion animals. This includes nail care, coat care, ear cleaning — a wide range of grooming tasks.

In the process they can also check the animal’s health, which makes them essential professionals for companion-animal owners.

Recently, as more people raise companion animals like their own children, the role of the pet groomer has been steadily diversifying. Dressing companion animals in nice outfits or adding cute accessories has also become part of the trend.

So they don't just handle coat care anymore — they take on the role of styling the companion animal as a whole. With a pet groomer license and the expertise that comes with it, you can take on a wide range of activities related to companion animals.

How to become a pet groomer. How to become a pet groomer. How to become a pet groomer. How to become a pet groomer.

Two paths to becoming a pet groomer: university program or specialized grooming academy

So what’s the process to become a pet groomer?

The important thing is to obtain a pet groomer license.

There are two main paths.

  1. 1 Enroll in a university with a companion-animal-related department — Choosing a companion animal studies or pet grooming program lets you learn theory and practice systematically. However, the first year is mostly foundational coursework, so it can be hard to get the license right away — many students prepare for the Level 3 license during their second-year winter break.
  2. 2 Enroll in a specialized pet grooming academy — You can intensively focus on the practical exercises and theory tailored to the license exam. It typically takes about 6 months to obtain a Level 3 license, and the advantage is you can earn it relatively quickly and start working in the field.

For reference, pet groomer licenses are divided into Level 3 and Level 2. You earn the Level 3 license first, accumulate about 6 months of hands-on experience, and then challenge the Level 2 license. So building a career systematically, step by step, is important.

Pet groomer salary. Pet groomer salary. Pet groomer salary. Pet groomer salary.

Pet groomer salary levels by experience and license tier in Korea

So what’s the salary like for a pet groomer? It varies depending on experience and work environment, but roughly starts at the following levels.

TierEstimated annual salary
New pet groomerAround 20 million won
Experienced + Level 2 license25 million ~ 30 million won

If you go freelance or run your own pet grooming shop, your income can vary even more widely.

Demand for pet grooming services has been steadily growing, so the future for pet groomers looks brighter than ever.

To succeed as a pet groomer, you need to constantly sharpen your skills and maintain an attitude that earns the trust of both clients and companion animals.

Today we looked at what a pet groomer does, how to get the license, and the salary. Many people love that getting a pet groomer license lets you build a fulfilling career working with companion animals.

Combine your love for companion animals with professional skill, and you too can begin a great career as a pet groomer. Use today’s guide as a reference and take on the challenge.

Kolleges is cheering for your dream.

Frequently asked questions

A pet groomer is responsible for the grooming and cleanliness of companion animals — including nail care, coat care, and ear cleaning — while also checking the animal's health. The role has expanded beyond basic coat care to include styling such as accessories and outfits.
There are two main paths: enrolling in a university with a companion-animal department (systematic theory and practice, with many students sitting the Level 3 exam during their second-year winter break) or attending a specialized grooming academy, which typically takes about 6 months to earn a Level 3 license.
You must earn the Level 3 license first, then accumulate about 6 months of hands-on field experience before you are eligible to sit the Level 2 exam. Building your career step by step through both levels is the standard path.
New pet groomers earn around 20 million KRW per year. With experience and a Level 2 license, salaries rise to roughly 25–30 million KRW. Going freelance or running your own grooming shop can vary income even more widely.

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Amy Kim
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