Dog Grooming Salary: A Comprehensive Guide

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Posted Oct 15, 2024

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A Woman Grooming a Dog
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Dog grooming can be a lucrative career, with experienced groomers earning upwards of $70,000 per year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of animal groomers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Many dog groomers start out as apprentices or assistants, learning the basics of grooming and working their way up to more senior roles.

Groomers with specialized skills, such as working with difficult breeds or providing advanced grooming services like dematting, can command even higher salaries.

Determining Groomer Salary

The average salary for a dog groomer in the US is around $39,521 a year, according to ZipRecruiter. This translates to an hourly pay of about $19.00, equivalent to $760 per week or $3,290 per month.

Several factors influence how much you can make as a dog groomer, including levels of expertise, geographical location, and years of experience. These factors can affect your salary by as much as $19,000, with a dog groomer in South Dakota earning $30,916 yearly and one in Texas making up to $44,572 a year.

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Here are some average salaries for dog grooming jobs in the industry:

  • Retail Pet Groomer: $10 per hour in an entry-level position, increasing to $14 per hour with experience
  • Freelance Pet Groomer: around $29,000 per year, with the potential to set your own prices and earn more in high-demand locations
  • Salon Groomer: approximately $22 per dog, with most groomers working on 5 dogs per day and earning around $28,000 per year

US Average Salary

The US average salary for dog groomers is a topic that can be a bit confusing, but stick with me and I'll break it down for you. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a groomer in the US is $39,521 a year, which translates to an hourly pay of about $19.00.

This average salary can vary widely, ranging from $16,500 to an impressive $71,500 annually. Most dog groomers earn between the 25th and 75th percentile marks, meaning they make anywhere from $28,500 (25th percentile) to an earning potential of $47,500 (75th percentile).

The pay range for dog groomers varies widely by geographical location, with a dog groomer in South Dakota earning $30,916 yearly, while one in Texas can make up to $44,572 a year. If you choose to open your own business, the earnings you make will be highly influenced by the size of your client base and the services you offer.

Here's a rough breakdown of the average salaries for different types of dog groomers in the US:

  • Retail Pet Groomer: $10-$14 per hour
  • Freelance Pet Groomer: $29,000 per year
  • Salon Groomer: $28,000 per year

Keep in mind that these figures can vary depending on the location, experience level, and services offered.

Groomer Salary Determination

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Groomer salary is determined by several factors. Your pay can vary throughout your career and is influenced by the industry you work in, your experience level, and the number of dogs you groom.

There are 5 core factors that go into how much you can make as a dog groomer. Your pay can vary throughout your career and is influenced by the industry you work in, your experience level, and the number of dogs you groom.

Most large corporations don't always pay their employees what they're worth. You can make more money as a well-trained groomer.

The average pet groomer salary in the US ranges from $21,000 to $52,000, according to Payscale.com. Your salary may vary depending on the location and your experience level.

Here are some average salaries for dog grooming jobs in the industry:

As you gain experience, your employment opportunities will be endless.

Education and Certification

Education and Certification is a crucial aspect of a dog groomer's career. Formal training in pet grooming is typically attained at a vocational or technical school and can range anywhere from 6 months to 4 years of study.

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With a higher level of education, individuals may command higher starting salaries as dog groomers. Formal education teaches you how to groom different dog breeds and sizes as well as health and safety protocols.

Salons prefer to hire novice groomers who have hands-on experience working with different breeds and conducting various grooming procedures. Without a formal education, individuals can still get hired at pet grooming salons but may face an uphill battle in terms of salary.

Work Environment and Pay

Dog groomers can choose to work in various settings, such as pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, and other grooming salons. Some work from home, while others are employed by larger companies. The type of environment you choose can impact your salary.

Those who work in dog show competitions may earn higher wages due to additional duties and services required. Dog groomers are typically paid through a commission system, earning a percentage of the grooming job cost. They may also receive tips or a base salary plus commission.

The average salary for dog groomers in the US is around $45,000 per year before tips, but specialized groomers can earn much more.

The Work Environment

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Working in a dog grooming environment can vary greatly, with options ranging from pet supply stores to veterinary clinics and other grooming salons. Some dog groomers even choose to work from home.

The type of environment you choose to work in can impact your salary, with those working in dog show competitions potentially earning higher wages due to additional duties and services required.

Dog groomers who work from home may have more control over their schedules and work environment, but may also face unique challenges such as managing their own business and finding clients.

Working for a larger company can provide stability and benefits, but may also limit your earning potential compared to working independently or in a high-end salon.

You might like: Dog Grooming at Home

Groomer Costs

Certificate and diploma programs for dog grooming can cost between $3,000 to $6,000. Online schools may charge a lower fee in the range of $400 to $600.

The cost of tuition can also include instructional materials like textbooks, DVDs, and grooming supplies. Animal Behavior College's tuition ranges from $3,299 to $5,647, which covers the cost of instructor-led training, hands-on grooming experience, and other supplies.

Some programs, like American Grooming Academy's online program, can be done in levels, with each level costing $900. The complete online program costs $2,700.

Online programs can be a more affordable option, with Penn Foster Career School's online program costing $2,000 with optional certification.

If this caught your attention, see: Dog Grooming School Cost

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do dog groomers make the most money?

According to our data, dog groomers in Austin, TX earn the highest hourly wage at $31.69 per hour. If you're interested in learning more about dog groomer salaries in different cities, click "Show more nearby cities" for a comprehensive list.

How profitable is a dog grooming business?

A dog grooming business can be quite profitable, with average monthly revenues ranging from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on various factors. However, the actual profitability can vary significantly, making it a business worth exploring further.

How much does a dog groomer make in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, a dog groomer's average hourly pay is $21.82, with salaries ranging from $10.01 to $35.14. Hourly pay typically falls between $18.32 and $26.83.

How much do dog groomers make in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, dog groomers earn an average annual salary of $40,475, ranging from $31,200 for entry-level positions to $102,960 for experienced workers.

Sources

  1. National Dog Groomers Association of America (nationaldoggroomers.com)
  2. ZipRecruiter (ziprecruiter.com)
  3. Dog Groomer Salary (thepetgroomer.org)
  4. Payscale.com (payscale.com)
  5. raise your grooming prices (doggroomingcourse.com)

Patricia Kreiger

Writer

Patricia Kreiger is a passionate writer with a focus on canine-related topics. She has established herself as a knowledgeable and engaging voice in the pet care community, with a portfolio that showcases her expertise in covering various breeds and their characteristics. Patricia's writing often delves into the intricacies of specific breeds, such as the Ridgeback and German Shepherd, as well as the complexities of breed comparisons and the FCI breed standard.