How to Become a Dog Groomer in Massachusetts

Have you always been a dog person?

If so, are you currently looking for a job?

Do you want to do something meaningful and still get a nice paycheck?

If you answer “yes” to all three, then dog grooming is the perfect career choice for you.

You don’t have to do a lot of research.

We’ll explain all there is to know on how you can become a dog groomer in Massachusetts.

You just follow carefully and be prepared to enroll in one of the grooming schools in your area.

Schooling for Dog Groomers in Massachusetts

To become a professional dog groomer, one must choose a school first.

Here, you’ll learn all the fundamental grooming techniques, as well as:

• How to deal with different dog breeds
• How to run a business in this industry

Now, don’t think lessons are all you need to practice grooming.

You still need some hands-on work to build experience.

That’s why many students opt for an apprenticeship as a way of schooling.

An experienced groomer will teach you tricks in the grooming business.

Even the secrets of this industry.

After all, some things just can’t be taught in the classroom.

A grooming station is there to save the day and let you apply that knowledge in real life.

That’s the whole point of education, isn’t it?

Popular Programs

A Dog Groomer’s Day-to-Day Duties

You may not be aware, but a groomer’s role is vital in a dog’s life.

Particularly, their physical well-being.

That’s because you’re the first person to notice skin diseases and other physical ailments before they become serious.

So, when a dog comes in for an appointment, your first task is to inspect its condition.

You’ll never know if something’s developing on the skin, like fleas and other injuries that the owner didn’t notice.

Once you’re sure the dog is healthy, the grooming part can begin.

A nice bath followed by drying is something most dogs enjoy.

Sometimes, you’ll encounter a problematic dog.

Don’t be afraid because you can and will use calming techniques you learned from school.

The next part of the grooming concerns the following:

• Trim nails
• Clean ears
• Clip hair
• Style hair
• Brush teeth
• Clean eye-tear stains if any

Some owners will request a unique treatment like hair and nail coloring.

Where to Work as a Dog Groomer in Massachusetts?

As a modern career, dog groomers have plenty of job opportunities in Massachusetts.

(So expect to receive excellent incomes here!)

The state has a very developed job market, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding your place under the sun.

In fact, many apprentices have continued working at the place they studied at.

Meanwhile, some still need to find a job elsewhere.

When the time for job searching kicks in, here are some places you may want to check out:

• Kennels
• Pet stores
• Vet or pet clinics
• Humane societies
• Private grooming salons

Where you’ll end up depends solely on your preferences.

Some dog groomers find working at humane societies and shelters quite rewarding.

While some like to work at institutions like schools and retail.

You’re not less of a groomer if you want to have a mobile grooming station.

Or work in a less stressful environment like a pet store.

The important thing is you’re helping dogs and actually making a difference in their health and lives.

How Much Does a Massachusetts Dog Groomer Earn?

As mentioned, dog groomers here receive pretty high paychecks.

Unlike other states, the market here is excellent and will only get better with time.

However, that still doesn’t mean you’ll get an $80k annual salary as a beginner.

Your paycheck depends on many factors:

• Education
• Special skills
• Experience
• Certification
• Place of work

According to Salary.com, as of January 2022, you can earn an average annual salary of $38,801.

Typically, your pay ranges between $31,701 and $48,401.

Of course, as a beginner, you may not receive something in that range yet.

Instead, you’ll earn about $25,000.

It can even go as high as about $57,000 or more if you’re especially skilled and experienced.

The figures below show your annual average earnings if you belong to a certain percentile.

The thing is, groomers in big cities will always earn more than their small-town colleagues.

That’s a fact that doesn’t change.

Check out all of Massachusetts’ cities in our salary table.

Maybe you’ll find out that your city has good income potential.

Average Annual Salary By City

Regional Salary in Massachusetts

Helpful Grooming Resources

Many beginner groomers get to keep their job at the place they apprenticed at.

Unfortunately, a significant number must try their luck elsewhere.

The following websites will help you with job hunting and getting to know new grooming trends:

• Yelp
• Massachusetts Humane Society
• National Dog Groomers Association of America

We encourage you to check these websites regularly.

That’s because dog grooming is a fast-growing industry with new materials coming out.

We don’t want you to miss out on the latest news and learnings that can be helpful to your career.

If you want, you can also learn the trends from experienced groomers.

They can help expand your knowledge on some grooming tricks and tips.

Maybe even on how to better handle dogs of different breeds and personalities.

You can’t find better sources than them!

Final Words

Dog grooming is a prospective career with a bright future!

It’s a job that can bring you plenty of benefits.

Every Massachusetts groomer will have basic and special grooming skills in their pinky finger.

Meaning, you’ll be able to do whatever grooming style that suits the dog best, even styles that their owners demand.

Sure, the money is great, but there’s something even more valuable.

Working a job you love where customers are always satisfied is something not everyone could experience.

So cherish this career should you choose to take this path!

How to Become a Dog/Pet Groomer by State