How to Become a Dog Groomer in Maryland

As with most occupations, there are a lot of factors that determine whether or not a dog groomer will be successful. In Maryland, some of the most important factors include having the right education, having a passion for dogs, and being patient enough to acquire all the important skills before securing employment.

Future dog groomers in the state will be glad to know that we have provided a comprehensive resource containing key considerations to help them fulfill all these conditions below.

We provide an overview of the steps in starting a successful dog grooming career in Maryland, including the top training schools to consider and the licensure and certification requirements.

Finally, we examine the salary projections depending on several factors influencing how much a dog groomer will earn in Maryland.

Steps to Become a Dog Groomer in Maryland

The following are the steps involved in becoming a dog groomer in Maryland.

Graduating from a Training Program

There are numerous top-quality dog grooming training programs in Maryland. One thing they all have in common is that they can teach individuals key aspects of advanced dog grooming, including cleaning, styling, and even identification of skin issues and diseases.

Most dog grooming training programs can be completed in a few weeks. The most extensive ones take a few months.

After graduation, candidates will receive a certificate in some cases. Those who receive training programs from established salons may immediately secure employment in the same establishment.

Real-World Experience

Even though a prospective dog groomer has completed a training program, they still need to gain the required experience to work in the real world. For this reason, it is also common for graduates of dog grooming programs to work as assistant dog groomers, using the opportunity to learn how to apply what they have been taught.

This is usually the best approach for candidates who completed their training online. Of course, most offline training programs offer practical sessions during training. However, gaining work experience is a different question and equally important to receiving foundational training.

Certification & Securing Employment

Once future dog groomers in Maryland complete their training programs and acquire real-world experience, they may secure employment in the best institutions. Some may even start their own business after working as assistant dog groomers.

As for certification, even though it is not mandatory by law, it offers enough benefits to be highly advisable. Certainly, numerous dog groomers in Maryland are certified and enjoy the benefits of doing so.

We look at how fresh dog groomers in Maryland can get certified below.

State Licensing and Certification Requirements

The National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) offers certification for dog groomers in Maryland (and the entire country). The organization offers seminars and workshops to help candidates prepare for the exam and demonstrate their skills.

Those who pass the exam will earn a Certified Dog Groomer credential valid everywhere in the country. Of course, the NDGAA is not the only certification body for dog groomers in Maryland to consider.

Candidates may also explore the professional credentials of International Professional Groomers, Inc. This credential also requires a demonstration of competency and a written exam.

Learn about dog groomer licensing and certification in neighboring states:

Dog groomer certification in Virginia

Salary and Job Outlook

For dog groomers in Maryland just starting their careers, the annual average salary (as revealed by a survey of professionals carried out by Indeed) is $56,744, which is still above the national average.

For those already well-established and among the top 10%, the annual average salary is $93,924.

Among the bottom 10% of dog groomers in Maryland still manage an annual average salary of $34,281.

Along with experience and expertise, location also plays a part in determining the annual average salary for a dog groomer in Maryland.

The cities where dog groomers are paid the highest average salary include Rockville, with an annual average salary of $72,988; Crofton, with an annual average salary of $67,698; and Severna Park, with an annual average salary of $66,713.

Dog groomers in Baltimore earn an annual average salary of $54,385.

Top Dog Grooming Schools in Maryland

Below are some of the best places to receive training as a prospective dog groomer in Maryland.

Harford Community College

Harford Community College offers a comprehensive Dog Grooming program in Maryland where future groomers can learn everything from bathing to coat styling, nail clipping, and ear cleaning. The curriculum includes practical, hands-on externship experiences in a professional grooming salon.