How to Become an Animal Groomer

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degrees & Education:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions need some relevant experience. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a certificate degree from a animal training or caretaking program can help you stand out in the hiring process.

Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited technical schools below that offer programs to help get you started as a animal groomer.

How Much Do Animal Groomers Make? 
$19,970 (national median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab)

Expected Growth from 2012-2020:
+35,400 additional people employed

Specialization Options:
Large animals, and pets

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS Animal Care and Service Workers page) 

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Best Places to Become an Animal Groomer

There are several professional services with provide grooming for pet owners. You can also go the entrepreneurial route and launch your own private grooming practice. The more your client list grows, the higher your salary will be. Top industries for employment for animal caretakers include:

  • Personal Services & Businesses
  • Retail
  • Science and Technical Services
  • Social Advocacy Organizations
  • Spectator Sports

The top states employing animal caretakers are:

  • California
  • Texas
  • New York
  • Florida
  • Illinois

Employment and Information Data for Animal Grooming

Why Become an Animal Groomer

Domestic caretaking jobs for animals, which include animal grooming, grew to over 177,000 total jobs nationwide in 2012. Did you know you could earn a living working with animals and helping the people who love them? As an animal groomer, you will work hands on grooming and bathing animals to keep them healthy and beautiful. Responsibilities include: brushing and clipping pet’s fur, cutting nails, cleaning ears, and bathing and blow drying fur. This job also provides an opportunity to learn about office administration. You may learn practical skills such as: answering phones and scheduling appointments, discussing a pet’s grooming needs with its owner, and recording information about a pet’s disposition. Due to the increasing popularity of pet ownership, this profession is expected to grow over the next five years.

Recommended Animal Grooming Courses

  • Introduction to Grooming
  • Bathing, Brushing & Drying
  • Clipper Use and Scissoring Techniques
  • Dog Grooming
  • Cat Grooming
  • Business Building
  • Internship

Degrees to Help You Become an Animal Groomer

The National Dog Groomers Association of America, among several other schools, provides a number of workshops and other educational opportunities, including specialized training for specific breeds. Degrees vary in specialization but all provide a full range of grooming expertise.

Certificates include:

  • Non-sporting Certificate
  • Sporting Certificate
  • Terrier Certificate
  • National Certified Master Groomer Certificate