Dog Grooming Salary: A Comprehensive Guide

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.

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.

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

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:

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

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 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.

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.

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.

Check this out: Tips for Grooming Your Dog at Home

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.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Grooming a Dog at Home

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.

For another approach, see: How Much Is Dog Grooming