Dog grooming schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts
Daily Groomer
Boston skyline over the harbor, Massachusetts

The top grooming schools in

Massachusetts

to know:

Massachusetts's top dog grooming schools. Compare grooming certifications and salaries near you.

  • Norma’s Corner Dog Care Center
  • North Shore Community College

Want to become a dog groomer in

Massachusetts

?

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Grooming schools for Massachusetts

See the Massachusetts school listings on this page. Schools in nearby states are listed too.

Schools in nearby states

New Hampshire 2 verified schools

New York 1 verified school

Online programs such as Penn Foster and Groomers University teach the theory, but you still need hands-on practice on real dogs. [7] [8] Compare online programs

Other ways to start grooming in Massachusetts

School is one path. You can also apprentice under an experienced groomer, or start as a bather at a big-box salon that trains on the job. Our national guide to starting in grooming compares each path, the first steps and how to choose a school.

Top Massachusetts grooming shops to learn from

These Massachusetts shops were named a Top Grooming Business by The Daily Groomer. They are good places to ask about bathing roles, jobs or an apprenticeship. We have not confirmed which ones are hiring.

See all Massachusetts groomers in our directory · 2025 Top Grooming Businesses in Massachusetts

Massachusetts license rules

We have not yet confirmed whether Massachusetts requires a license for groomers or grooming businesses, so we do not say either way. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Massachusetts agriculture department and with your city or county about business licenses and zoning.

Rules differ by state. Our national guide explains how some states license grooming businesses.

Certification is different. It is a credential, not a requirement to work. [2] How certification works

What groomers can earn in Massachusetts

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. The closest series is Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), which includes groomers along with kennel, shelter and other animal care workers. [3] All industries, OEWS May 2025: [1] [4]

  • Median per year ($19.06 per hour): $39,650
  • Mean per year ($21.67 per hour): $45,080
  • Lowest 10% earned less than: $32,910
  • Top 10% earned more than: $64,060

About 6,900 people worked as animal caretakers in Massachusetts. OEWS wage data do not include self-employed workers, so salon owners and independent groomers are not counted. [3]

FAQ

Do I need a license to groom dogs in Massachusetts?

We have not yet confirmed Massachusetts’s rules for groomers and grooming businesses. Before you groom for pay or open a salon, check with the Massachusetts agriculture department and with your city or county.

Are there grooming schools in Massachusetts?

See the Massachusetts school listings on this page. The closest options in our list are in New Hampshire, New York. You can also learn online, then get hands-on practice at a local salon. Penn Foster lists $799 and Groomers University lists $997 for its Bootcamp course (as of Oct 2026). [7]

How much do groomers earn in Massachusetts?

BLS does not publish a separate groomer wage. In the May 2025 OEWS estimates, animal caretakers (SOC 39-2021, the group that includes groomers) in Massachusetts had a median annual wage of $39,650, compared with $35,360 for the U.S. These figures do not include self-employed workers. [1]

Sources

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, Massachusetts, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUS250000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  2. The Daily Groomer: How To Get Started In Grooming (survey of 4,000+ groomers)
  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Animal Care and Service Workers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  4. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: OEWS May 2025, United States, Animal Caretakers (SOC 39-2021), series OEUN000000000000039202101 to 15, via the BLS Public Data API (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  5. PetSmart Careers: Working in Our Pet Salons (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  6. Petco Careers: Grooming careers (checked Oct 25, 2026)
  7. Penn Foster: Pet Grooming Certificate (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  8. Groomers University: Courses and FAQ (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  9. Paragon School of Pet Grooming: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  10. Animal Behavior College: home page (checked Oct 26, 2026)
  11. NDGAA: NCMG Program
  12. NDGAA: NCMG written testing

Top grooming schools near you:

Norma’s Corner Dog Care Center

Townsend

Offers comprehensive grooming training programs that cover various aspects of dog grooming, including practical and theoretical training. The center aims to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the grooming industry

Visit School

North Shore Community College

Danvers

Offers an associate degree program in dog grooming, providing comprehensive education in pet grooming, including hands-on training and theoretical knowledge. The program prepares students for careers in pet grooming with a focus on safety, animal behavior, and grooming techniques.

Visit School

Next steps:

For more information about getting started in grooming, make sure you check out the full Get Started in Grooming guide. And if you want to reach out to any of the top grooming businesses in the state to get a job or see if they offer an apprenticeship, make sure you check out The Top Massachusetts Grooming Businesses.

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