How to Become a Pet Groomer in West Virginia (2026)
West Virginia employs about 1,160 pet groomers earning a median $28,550 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most pet groomers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in West Virginia.
Key Facts
- Median wage (West Virginia): $28,550/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in West Virginia: 1,160 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 0.96x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 12.1% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
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West Virginia employs approximately 1,160 pet groomers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $28,550 1. Nationally, pet groomer employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 74,600 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a pet groomer in West Virginia, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Pet Groomer Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia
Animal Caretakers Wages by Metro Area in West Virginia
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), animal caretakers wages in West Virginia vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 6,590 | $37,710 | $40,900 | $30,160 | $55,020 |
| Charleston | 200 | $28,360 | $30,590 | $21,740 | $45,490 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg | 180 | $32,720 | $37,350 | $31,200 | $51,110 |
| Huntington-Ashland | 180 | $28,060 | $30,330 | $21,150 | $44,160 |
| Wheeling | 130 | $28,910 | $31,260 | $22,420 | $37,320 |
| Morgantown | 110 | $29,890 | $31,700 | $21,840 | $45,730 |
| Winchester | 100 | $30,470 | $33,000 | $26,350 | $43,650 |
| Parkersburg-Vienna | 70 | $27,850 | $30,990 | $22,050 | $45,750 |
| Weirton-Steubenville | 60 | $28,110 | $30,350 | $22,260 | $41,260 |
| Beckley | 50 | $27,760 | $29,970 | $23,570 | $35,740 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (West Virginia): $28,550 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Pet Groomer in West Virginia
How to become a pet groomer in West Virginia? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for pet groomers in West Virginia.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do pet groomers earn in West Virginia? The median annual wage for pet groomers in West Virginia is $28,550 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $22,050 and experienced professionals can earn $44,810 or more 1.
How to Become a Pet Groomer in West Virginia
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most West Virginia training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in West Virginia that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to pet groomers in West Virginia before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for pet groomers in West Virginia? West Virginia currently employs approximately 1,160 pet groomers 1. Nationally, pet groomer employment is projected to grow 12.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in West Virginia? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in West Virginia.
How much do pet groomers earn in West Virginia compared to the national average? The median annual wage for pet groomers in West Virginia is $28,550, which is $4,920 below the national median of $33,470 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |