So, you’ve decided to become a dog groomer?
Great!
Let me tell you why that’s the best decision of your life.
Don’t get scared by the formal schooling you have to take.
Once you’re a professional groomer, you have the power to transform dogs in your hands.
Neglected dogs will shine again, and pretty pooches will get even prettier.
Lay back and read on as we show you how you can become a dog groomer in Maryland.
Table of Contents
What a Dog Groomer Does
Dog groomers are responsible for keeping a dog clean and good-looking.
In addition, they help keep and maintain the dog’s overall health and well-being.
Why is that so?
It’s important for every dog groomer to understand the unbreakable link between healthy and good looks.
If you have a healthy dog whose looks are somewhat questionable, chances are that dog’s health could be compromised.
To prevent that from getting serious, you have to thoroughly do a physical examination.
Check the dog for ticks, mites, and skin and coat issues first and foremost.
If you find any issues at all, inform and advise the pet owner immediately.
Only when you’re sure that the dog is fine can you start grooming.
Standard baths and flea baths are essential steps, as well as brushing and trimming the hair.
At times, some dog owners will demand a special cut from you.
Clipping nails as well as coloring them follows.
Some of you might find mani-pedi silly, but as long as it doesn’t hurt the dog, it’s completely okay.
Make sure you please your customer’s demands so they’ll keep coming back to you.
In no time, you’ll be their favorite groomer!
Popular Programs
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Veterinary AssistantVeterinary TechnicianVet Office ManagerDog ObediencePet GroomingSponsored Online Programs.Educational Requirements in Maryland
In Maryland, there are no educational requirements to be a dog groomer.
So people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to enroll, work, and try their luck in this business.
However, that doesn’t mean owning a high school diploma or a GED equivalent won’t benefit you.
Many employers prefer having educated individuals on their staff.
There’s no harm in schooling, but it’s still good to know there aren’t any conditions that could stop you from being a dog groomer.
Grooming School or Apprenticeship
There are several ways you can take to become a professional dog groomer in Maryland.
One of the most popular choices is getting a formal education in a grooming school.
A grooming school graduate earns a certificate that helps increase your standing in the industry.
Another schooling option is working directly under the guidance of an experienced groomer.
Through this apprenticeship, you’ll acquire all the knowledge and skills needed, as well as industry secrets.
A lot of hard work and practice will lead you to the top of the grooming society.
Operating a Business in Maryland
Maryland is always looking for new dog groomers and it can’t wait for you to finish training.
Many of you may decide to work under employment, but a few will choose to work on their own.
That is, operate their own dog grooming business.
As such, you will need to comply with state and federal regulations and submit the required documents.
Job Opportunities in Maryland
Maryland’s a state that’s very into dog grooming.
There are a lot of traditional grooming places that offer work options.
You can consider working at these places:
- Vet clinics
- Pet stores
- Pet clinics
- Grooming salons
However, today, getting into mobile grooming services is a far more popular option.
It allows you to do what you love while meeting new people and traveling to new locations.
But in the end, it doesn’t matter where you choose to work.
What matters is seeing those tails wagging after a successful grooming session.
Don’t feel bad if you’re not capable of working with difficult cases like rescue dogs.
There are still dog groomers who love to volunteer to help those poor pups.
Potential Salary in Maryland
In Maryland, a dog groomer usually earns about $30,000 to $46,000 a year.
Overall, the average annual salary is $36,801 as of January 2022 according to Salary.com.
How much you earn depends a lot on your skills, education, and the area you’re specialized in.
Dog groomers with a high level of experience and skills will earn more, with a base salary of at least $54,000 a year.
Below you’ll find how much you can potentially earn if you belong to a certain percentile.
| Percentile | Salary |
| 10% | $23,810 |
| 25% | $30,001 |
| 50% | $36,801 |
| 75% | $45,901 |
| 90% | $54,186 |
Meanwhile, the one below shows the salaries in different cities in Maryland.
Average Annual Salary by City
| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Abell, MD | $37,350 |
| Aberdeen, MD | $34,178 |
| Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD | $34,410 |
| Abingdon, MD | $34,106 |
| Accident, MD | $30,951 |
| Accokeek, MD | $37,451 |
| Adamstown, MD | $36,639 |
| Allen, MD | $35,949 |
| Andrews Air Force Base, MD | $37,508 |
| Annapolis, MD | $35,730 |
| Annapolis Junction, MD | $34,619 |
| Aquasco, MD | $37,350 |
| Arnold, MD | $34,574 |
| Ashton, MD | $37,429 |
| Avenude, MD | $37,350 |
| Baldwin, MD | $34,608 |
| Baltimore, MD | $34,675 |
| Barclay, MD | $35,025 |
| Barnesville, MD | $36,592 |
| Barstow, MD | $37,350 |
| Barton, MD | $30,951 |
| Bealsville, MD | $36,762 |
| Bel Air, MD | $33,851 |
| Bel Alton, MD | $37,350 |
| Belcamp, MD | $34,197 |
| Beltsville, MD | $37,508 |
| Benedict, MD | $37,350 |
| Benson, MD | $34,183 |
| Berlin, MD | $36,092 |
| Bethesda, MD | $37,519 |
| Bethlehem, MD | $34,506 |
| Betteron, MD | $34,817 |
| Big Pool, MD | $31,262 |
| Bishopville, MD | $36,092 |
| Bittinger, MD | $30,951 |
| Bivalve, MD | $35,928 |
| Bladensburg, MD | $37,519 |
| Bloomington, MD | $30,951 |
| Boonsboro, MD | $35,928 |
| Boring, MD | $33,712 |
| Bowie, MD | $37,440 |
| Boyds, MD | $36,460 |
| Bozman, MD | $35,833 |
| Braddock Heights, MD | $36,718 |
| Brandywine, MD | $37,429 |
| Brentwood, MD | $37,519 |
| Brinklow, MD | $37,406 |
| Brookeville, MD | $37,417 |
| Brooklandville, MD | $34,675 |
| Brookly, MD | $34,675 |
| Broomes Island, MD | $37,350 |
| Brownsville, MD | $37,350 |
| Brunswick, MD | $37,350 |
| Bryans Road, MD | $37,417 |
| Bryantown, MD | $37,350 |
| Buckeystown, MD | $36,497 |
| Burkittsville, MD | $37,350 |
| Burtonsville, MD | $37,451 |
| Bushwood, MD | $37,350 |
| Butler, MD | $34,585 |
| Cabin John, MD | $37,519 |
| California, MD | $37,350 |
| Callaway, MD | $37,350 |
| Cambridge, MD | $35,928 |
| Capitol Hheights, MD | $37,519 |
| Cascade, MD | $32,695 |
| Catonsville, MD | $34,675 |
| Cavetown, MD | $32,695 |
| Cecilton, MD | $35,454 |
| Centreville, MD | $34,506 |
| Chaptico, MD | $37,350 |
| Charlestown, MD | $34,641 |
| Charlotte Hall, MD | $37,350 |
| Chase, MD | $34,630 |
| Cheltenham, MD | $37,440 |
| Chesapeake Beach, MD | $36,584 |
| Chesapeake City, MD | $35,923 |
| Chester, MD | $35,389 |
| Cestertown, MD | $34,731 |
| Chevy Chase, MD | $37,519 |
| Chewsville, MD | $34,228 |
| Childs, MD | $35,964 |
| Church Creek, MD | $35,928 |
| Church Hill, MD | $34,731 |
| Churchton, MD | $36,213 |
| Churchville, MD | $33,948 |
| Claiborne, MD | $35,670 |
| Clarksburg, MD | $30,302 |
| Clarksville, MD | $34,574 |
| Clear Springs, MD | $33,041 |
| Clements, MD | $37,350 |
| Clinton, MD | $37,485 |
| Cobb Island, MD | $37,350 |
| Cockeysville, MD | $34,653 |
| College Park, MD | $37,519 |
| Colora, MD | $34,043 |
| Coltons Point, MD | $37,350 |
| Columbia, MD | $34,619 |
| Compton, MD | $37,350 |
| Conowingo, MD | $33,816 |
| Cooksville, MD | $35,555 |
| Cordova, MD | $34,506 |
| Corriganville, MD | $30,951 |
| Crapo, MD | $37,350 |
| Crisfield, MD | $31,729 |
| Crocheron, MD | $37,350 |
| Crofton, MD | $35,979 |
| Crownsville, MD | $34,563 |
| Crumpton, MD | $35,120 |
| Cumberland, MD | $30,951 |
| Curtis Bay, MD | $34,675 |
| Damascus, MD | $36,102 |
| Dameron, MD | $37,350 |
| Darlington, MD | $33,887 |
| Davidsonville, MD | $36,026 |
| Dayton, MD | $34,563 |
| Deal Island, MD | $34,373 |
| Deale, MD | $36,197 |
| Delmar, MD | $35,249 |
| Denton, MD | $34,506 |
| Derwood, MD | $37,440 |
| Dhs, MD | $37,462 |
| Dickerson, MD | $36,694 |
| District Heights, MD | $37,519 |
| Dowel, MD | $37,350 |
| Drayden, MD | $37,350 |
| Dundalk, MD | $34,675 |
| Dunkirk, MD | $36,568 |
| Earleville, MD | $35,081 |
| East New Market, MD | $35,928 |
| Easton, MD | $34,506 |
| Eckhart Mines, MD | $30,951 |
| Eden, MD | $35,949 |
| Edgewater, MD | $35,960 |
| Edgewood, MD | $34,574 |
| Elk Mills, MD | $35,964 |
| Elkridge, MD | $34,675 |
| Elkton, MD | $35,964 |
| Ellerslie, MD | $30,951 |
| Ellicott City, MD | $34,653 |
| Emmitsburg, MD | $32,929 |
| Essex, MD | $34,675 |
| Ewell, MD | $31,397 |
| Fairplay, MD | $34,851 |
| Fallston, MD | $34,585 |
| Faulkner, MD | $37,350 |
| Federalsburg, MD | $35,249 |
| Finksburg, MD | $34,563 |
| Fishing Creek, MD | $37,350 |
| Flintstone, MD | $30,951 |
| Forest Hill, MD | $33,663 |
| Fork, MD | $34,619 |
| Fort George G Meade, MD | $64,597 |
| Fort Howard, MD | $34,664 |
| Fort Washington, MD | $37,496 |
| Frederick, MD | $36,213 |
| Freeland, MD | $32,776 |
| Friendship, MD | $35,999 |
| Friendsville, MD | $30,951 |
| Frostburg, MD | $30,951 |
| Fruitland, MD | $35,949 |
| Fulton, MD | $35,996 |
| Funkstown, MD | $34,851 |
| Gaithersburg, MD | $37,417 |
| Galena, MD | $35,451 |
| Galesville, MD | $36,102 |
| Gambrills, MD | $34,597 |
| Garret Park, MD | $37,519 |
| Georgetown, MD | $35,412 |
| Germantown, MD | $36,425 |
| Gibson Island, MD | $34,574 |
| Girdletree, MD | $32,751 |
| Glen Arm, MD | $34,664 |
| Glen Burnie, MD | $34,675 |
| Glen Echo, MD | $37,519 |
| Glenelg, MD | $35,847 |
| Glenn Dale, MD | $37,474 |
| Glenwood, MD | $35,837 |
| Glyndon, MD | $34,608 |
| Goldsboro, MD | $37,506 |
| Grantsville, MD | $30,951 |
| Grasonville, MD | $35,048 |
| Great Mills, MD | $37,350 |
| Greenbelt, MD | $37,508 |
| Greensboro, MD | $34,506 |
| Gunpowder, MD | $34,619 |
| Gwyn Oak, MD | $34,675 |
| Hagerstown, MD | $34,228 |
| Halethorpe, MD | $34,675 |
| Hampstead, MD | $33,438 |
| Hancock, MD | $31,262 |
| Hanover, MD | $34,664 |
| Harmans, MD | $34,664 |
| Harwood, MD | $36,120 |
| Havre De Grace, MD | $34,333 |
| Hebron, MD | $35,949 |
| Helen, MD | $37,350 |
| Henderson,, MD | $35,343 |
| Highland, MD | $35,990 |
| Hillsboro, MD | $34,506 |
| Hollywood, MD | $37,350 |
| Hugesville, MD | $37,350 |
| Hunt Valley, MD | $34,630 |
| Huntingtown, MD | $36,962 |
| Hurlock, MD | $35,928 |
| Hyattsville, MD | $37,519 |
| Hydes, MD | $34,619 |
| Ijamsville, MD | $36,173 |
| Indian Head, MD | $37,384 |
| Ingleside, MD | $34,892 |
| Ironsides, MD | $37,350 |
| Issue, MD | $37,350 |
| Jarrettsville, MD | $33,506 |
| Jefferson, MD | $37,066 |
| Jessup, MD | $34,630 |
| Joppa, MD | $34,597 |
| Keedysville, MD | $37,350 |
| Kennedyville, MD | $35,085 |
| Kensington, MD | $37,519 |
| Keymar, MD | $33,685 |
| Kingsville, MD | $34,619 |
| Kitzmiller, MD | $30,951 |
| Knoxville, MD | $37,350 |
| La Plata, MD | $37,350 |
| Ladiesburg, MD | $34,107 |
| Lanham, MD | $37,508 |
| Laurel, MD | $37,440 |
| Leonardtown, MD | $37,350 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $37,350 |
| Libertytown, MD | $34,854 |
| Lineboro, MD | $32,790 |
| Linkwood, MD | $35,928 |
| Linthicum Heights, MD | $34,675 |
| Lisbon, MD | $35,578 |
| Little Orleans, MD | $30,951 |
| Lonaconing, MD | $30,951 |
| Long Green, MD | $34,641 |
| Lothian, MD | $36,337 |
| Loveville, MD | $37,350 |
| Luke, MD | $30,951 |
| Lusby, MD | $37,350 |
| Lutherville Timonium, MD | $34,675 |
| Madison, MD | $37,350 |
| Manchester, MD | $33,312 |
| Manokin, MD | $33,603 |
| Marbury, MD | $37,350 |
| Mardela Spings, MD | $35,949 |
| Marion Station, MD | $31,729 |
| Marriottsville, MD | $34,619 |
| Marydel, MD | $35,659 |
| Maryland Line, MD | $32,776 |
| Massey, MD | $35,568 |
| Maugansville, MD | $32,666 |
| Mayo, MD | $35,928 |
| Mc Henry, MD | $30,951 |
| Mcdaniel, MD | $35,670 |
| Mechanicsville, MD | $37,350 |
| Middle River, MD | $34,675 |
| Middleton, MD | $37,350 |
| Midland, MD | $30,951 |
| Midlothian, MD | $30,951 |
| Millersville, MD | $34,597 |
| Millington, MD | $35,409 |
| Monkton, MD | $34,574 |
| Monrovia, MD | $35,971 |
| Montgomery Village, MD | $36,289 |
| Morganza, MD | $37,350 |
| Mount Airy, MD | $35,553 |
| Mount Rainier, MD | $37,519 |
| Mount Savage, MD | $30,951 |
| Mount Victoria, MD | $37,350 |
| Myersville, MD | $34,851 |
| Nanjemoy, MD | $37,350 |
| Nanticoke, MD | $35,928 |
| Neavitt, MD | $36,038 |
| New Marker, MD | $35,928 |
| New Midway, MD | $34,209 |
| New Windsor, MD | $34,174 |
| Newark, MD | $36,092 |
| Newburg, MD | $37,350 |
| Newcomb, MD | $35,454 |
| North Beach, MD | $36,436 |
| North East, MD | $34,769 |
| Nottingham, MD | $34,675 |
| Oakland, MD | $30,951 |
| Ocean City, MD | $36,092 |
| Odenton, MD | $34,597 |
| Oldtown, MD | $30,951 |
| Olney, MD | $37,440 |
| Owings, MD | $36,616 |
| Owings Mills, MD | $34,653 |
| Oxford, MD | $35,928 |
| Oxon Hill, MD | $37,519 |
| Park Hall, MD | $37,350 |
| Parkton, MD | $33,328 |
| Parkville, MD | $34,675 |
| Parsonsburg, MD | $35,563 |
| Pasadena, MD | $34,641 |
| Patuxent River, MD | $37,350 |
| Perry Hall, MD | $34,675 |
| Perry Point, MD | $34,687 |
| Perryman, MD | $34,263 |
| Perryville, MD | $34,352 |
| Phoenix, MD | $34,630 |
| Pikesville, MD | $34,675 |
| Piney Point, MD | $35,481 |
| Pinto, MD | $30,951 |
| Pittsville, MD | $36,092 |
| Pocomoke City, MD | $31,672 |
| Point Of Rocks, MD | $37,147 |
| Pomfret, MD | $37,373 |
| Poolesville, MD | $36,781 |
| Port Deposit, MD | $34,153 |
| Port Republic, MD | $37,350 |
| Port Tobacco, MD | $37,350 |
| Potomac, MD | $37,496 |
| Powellville, MD | $36,092 |
| Preston, MD | $34,506 |
| Price, MD | $34,665 |
| Prince Frederick, MD | $37,350 |
| Princess Anne, MD | $34,261 |
| Pylesville, MD | $33,452 |
| Quantico, MD | $35,928 |
| Queen Anne, MD | $34,506 |
| Queenstown, MD | $34,806 |
| Randallstown, MD | $34,664 |
| Rawlings, MD | $30,951 |
| Rehobeth, MD | $31,672 |
| Reisterstown, MD | $34,619 |
| Rhodesdale, MD | $35,928 |
| Riderwood, MD | $34,675 |
| Ridge, MD | $35,481 |
| Ridgely, MD | $34,506 |
| Rising Sun, MD | $34,016 |
| Riva, MD | $35,928 |
| Riverdale, MD | $37,519 |
| Rock Hall, MD | $34,893 |
| Rock Point, MD | $37,350 |
| Rockville, MD | $37,474 |
| Rocky Ridge, MD | $33,374 |
| Rohersville, MD | $37,350 |
| Rosedale, MD | $34,675 |
| Royal Oak, MD | $35,319 |
| Sabillasville, MD | $32,689 |
| Saint Inigoes, MD | $37,350 |
| Saint James, MD | $34,851 |
| Saint Leonard, MD | $37,350 |
| Saint Marys City, MD | $37,350 |
| Saint Michaels, MD | $35,522 |
| Salisbury, MD | $35,949 |
| Sandy Spring, MD | $37,440 |
| Savage, MD | $34,608 |
| Scotland, MD | $34,120 |
| Secretary, MD | $35,928 |
| Severn, MD | $34,653 |
| Severna Park, MD | $34,619 |
| Shady Side, MD | $36,110 |
| Sharpsburg, MD | $37,350 |
| Sharptown, MD | $35,949 |
| Sherwood, MD | $36,086 |
| Showell, MD | $36,092 |
| Silver Spring, MD | $37,519 |
| Simpsonville, MD | $34,597 |
| Smithsburg, MD | $32,695 |
| Snow Hill, MD | $34,030 |
| Solomons, MD | $37,350 |
| Southern Md Facility, MD | $37,496 |
| Sparks Glencoe, MD | $34,597 |
| Sparrows Point, MD | $34,664 |
| Spencerville, MD | $37,451 |
| Spring Gap, MD | $30,951 |
| Stevenson, MD | $34,675 |
| Stevensville, MD | $35,368 |
| Still Pond, MD | $34,985 |
| Stockton, MD | $31,672 |
| Street, MD | $33,602 |
| Suburb Maryland Fac, MD | $37,485 |
| Sudlersville, MD | $35,189 |
| Suitland, MD | $37,519 |
| Sunderland, MD | $36,758 |
| Swanton, MD | $30,951 |
| Sykesville, MD | $34,563 |
| Takoma Park, MD | $37,519 |
| Tall Timbers, MD | $37,350 |
| Taneytown, MD | $33,308 |
| Taylors Island, MD | $37,350 |
| Temple Hills, MD | $37,519 |
| Templeville, MD | $35,605 |
| Thurmont, MD | $33,098 |
| Tilghman, MD | $36,334 |
| Toddville, MD | $37,350 |
| Towson, MD | $34,675 |
| Tracys Landing, MD | $36,323 |
| Trappe, MD | $35,928 |
| Tuscarora, MD | $37,015 |
| Tyaskin, MD | $35,928 |
| Tylerton, MD | $31,397 |
| Union Bridge, MD | $34,083 |
| Unionville, MD | $34,487 |
| Upper Fairmount, MD | $33,603 |
| Upper Falls, MD | $34,630 |
| Upper Marlboro, MD | $37,440 |
| Upperco, MD | $33,712 |
| Valley Lee, MD | $37,350 |
| Vienna, MD | $35,928 |
| Waldorf, MD | $37,417 |
| Walkersville, MD | $35,191 |
| Warwick, MD | $35,599 |
| Washington Grove, MD | $37,429 |
| Welcome, MD | $37,350 |
| West Friendship, MD | $34,585 |
| West River, MD | $36,141 |
| Westernport, MD | $30,951 |
| Westminster, MD | $33,863 |
| Westover, MD | $33,603 |
| Whaleyville, MD | $36,092 |
| White Hall, MD | $33,323 |
| White Marsh, MD | $34,675 |
| White Plains, MD | $37,384 |
| Whiteford, MD | $33,453 |
| Willards, MD | $36,092 |
| Williamsport, MD | $34,297 |
| Windsor Mill, MD | $34,675 |
| Wingate, MD | $37,350 |
| Wittman, MD | $35,786 |
| Woodbine, MD | $35,562 |
| Woodsboro, MD | $34,441 |
| Woodstock, MD | $34,630 |
| Woolford, MD | $37,350 |
| Worton, MD | $34,821 |
| Wye Mills, MD | $34,506 |
Regional Salary in Maryland
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | 2,430 | $35,080 | $16.87 | $44,160 | $29,330 |
| California-Lexington Park, MD | 140 | $35,530 | $17.08 | $49,030 | $29,210 |
| Cumberland, MD-WV | 50 | $28,430 | $13.67 | $34,680 | $20,280 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | 180 | $31,750 | $15.26 | $38,740 | $26,880 |
| Salisbury, MD-DE | 310 | $32,390 | $15.57 | $39,880 | $27,690 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Helpful Resources
We want you to have the best resources there are.
So we provided you with websites you can use and refer to from time to time.
At BringFido Maryland Directory, you have a list of groomers near you and from other areas.
Feel free to reach out and find a job at one of the listed places.
If you visit MarylandPet.com, you’ll see how supportive this organization is.
They help animal shelters and similar associations spread the importance of proper pet care.
If these still aren’t enough for your growing appetite towards grooming, try visiting these sites:
Final Words
Now you know how to become a groomer in Maryland.
(It’s a process worth going through!)
In the end, you get a good career, a nice salary, and lots of love from your tail-wagging customers.
A dog lover can’t wish for more!
Going through a dog grooming program is a small price to pay when you consider what you’re getting in return.
Who wouldn’t love a job where you can feel relaxed all the time?
Working with dogs isn’t just rewarding, it’s the best food for the soul!
What are you waiting for?
Find your grooming school and get the piece of the dog cake everyone’s craving!
How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State