The canine equivalent of a day at the spa is dog grooming. While services vary from one groomer to the next, they typically include shampooing, nail trimming, brushing, and fur-cutting. Professional dog groomers work in a variety of environments, and their pay is also variable. Many people use dog grooming as a side gig to supplement their income. It takes a sincere love of animals and a lot of patience to become a dog groomer.
Professional dog groomers help maintain a pets appearance. They bathe people, style and trim fur, trim nails, and clean ears. Some groomers offer more comprehensive services like anal gland expression, flea baths, and fur de-matting. Dog groomers who run their own businesses also manage their grooming facilities, schedule appointments, and suggest or sell products. Groomers may provide service for cats as well as dogs.
Dog groomers need little formal education to enter the field. At minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Most training is done by apprenticing with an experienced groomer. However, a large number of professional dog groomers attend grooming classes and earn certification from the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
As of May 2016, the median pay for dog groomers was $22,710. That means that half earn more and half earn less. Dog groomers who own their own businesses or work in salons typically earn more money than those who work in retail environments. Groomers are compensated either per animal or per hour, depending on where they work. Certification can result in a higher salary.
Professional dog groomers work in kennels, pet shops, doggie daycare centers, and veterinary clinics. Others own their own grooming shops, sometimes operating them out of mobile trucks that visit residences and establishments. Dog groomers can also compete in grooming events to showcase their abilities and get recognized nationally.
Dog groomers earn more money the more experience they have. That is because they become more proficient and effective at what they do, which results in higher pay and commissions. They might also develop a devoted clientele that utilizes their services frequently. An experienced dog groomer might decide to start their own business or move into management.
Dog groomers are among the animal care and service professionals whose employment is predicted to increase by 22% over the following ten years. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. People want to ensure that their dogs receive the care they require to maintain their appearance and health because they view them as members of the family. The demand for mobile grooming services is also rising because pet owners can benefit from many of their conveniences.
Leslie Bloom, a native of Los Angeles, has experience working in both new start-ups and established corporate environments. She has more than 20 years of writing experience for a variety of print and online publications in addition to years of business and management experience. She holds degrees in both journalism and law.
Average Annual Salary by State
| State | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $31,642 |
| Alaska | $37,851 |
| Arizona | $33,327 |
| Arkansas | $31,259 |
| California | $38,038 |
| Colorado | $34,013 |
| Connecticut | $36,996 |
| Delaware | $35,927 |
| Florida | $32,783 |
| Georgia | $33,125 |
| Hawaii | $34,830 |
| Idaho | $31,911 |
| Illinois | $35,827 |
| Indiana | $32,701 |
| Iowa | $32,321 |
| Kansas | $33,059 |
| Kentucky | $31,716 |
| Louisiana | $33,389 |
| Maine | $34,440 |
| Maryland | $37,410 |
| Massachusetts | $38,258 |
| Michigan | $35,303 |
| Minnesota | $35,819 |
| Mississippi | $31,660 |
| Missouri | $33,059 |
| Montana | $33,095 |
| Nebraska | $32,674 |
| Nevada | $34,978 |
| New Hampshire | $36,458 |
| New Jersey | $40,696 |
| New Mexico | $31,783 |
| New York | $40,696 |
| North Carolina | $33,229 |
| North Dakota | $31,420 |
| Ohio | $33,465 |
| Oklahoma | $33,139 |
| Oregon | $35,153 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,192 |
| Rhode Island | $36,099 |
| South Carolina | $33,105 |
| South Dakota | $30,916 |
| Tennessee | $31,817 |
| Texas | $34,474 |
| Utah | $34,474 |
| Vermont | $35,018 |
| Virginia | $37,410 |
| Washington | $36,907 |
| West Virginia | $34,921 |
| Wisconsin | $35,517 |
| Wyoming | $31,705 |
Are Dog Groomers Paid Per Hour?
How you get paid depends on where you work. It may also depend on whether you chose to start your own company or were hired by an established one.
Many salons will pay a set hourly wage. Others will pay an hourly wage plus commission. Some salons only pay you in commission. However, there are also many salons out there that will pay seasoned groomers with years of experience on their resume an annual salary (instead of an hourly wage).
Your best bet will be to apply to jobs that pay a set hourly wage if you’re looking for stability in an existing company, such as regular hours and a steady paycheck. Your pay may be erratic if you join a team that only accepts commission, especially early in your career.
On the other hand, you might aspire to start your own company. If that’s the case, you’ll have complete control over how much money you make as a professional dog groomer.
You’ll be in total control of the prices you set for your services. Additionally, you will be able to decide whether you want to pay yourself a set hourly rate for a set number of hours each week or a set salary for the entire year (as long as your business is profitable enough to support this, of course).
Starting your business, establishing your brand, and obtaining a steady flow of bookings may take some time in the beginning. Don’t be discouraged by the fact that it might take some time before you begin to see a profit, though!
All great things take time. You’ll eventually start making the money you want and paying yourself the salary of your dreams as long as you remain dedicated and put in the necessary work!
Can You Make Good Money as a Professional Dog Groomer?
You should be aware that there is no “one-size-fits-all” salary for a professional groomer when it comes to earning potential. Even in the same city, the salaries of two experts can vary greatly. There are a few variables that will affect how much money you make, including:
The aforementioned list merely serves to highlight the fact that dog grooming is a career path with countless opportunities. As you can see, there is plenty of room to maximize your opportunities and goals; the more work you are willing to put in, the better your income will be in the long run.
In a nutshell, I’m here to tell you that you 100% CAN make dog grooming your full-time profession and do it for the rest of your life. Plus, you can definitely earn enough money to not only pay all of your bills, but also live comfortably.
FAQ
Where do dog groomers make the most money?
- Los Angeles, CA. $23.42 per hour. 59 salaries reported.
- Denver, CO. $22.78 per hour. 22 salaries reported.
- Austin, TX. $22.17 per hour. 35 salaries reported.
- Houston, TX. $21.77 per hour. 23 salaries reported.
- Richmond, VA. $21.77 per hour. …
- Show more nearby cities.
How much do top dog groomers make?
Dog groomers in the US make between $10,239 and $243,610 per year, with a median wage of $43,651.
How much do groomers make in VA?
Virginia’s average salary for an animal groomer and bather is $36,050 as of October 27, 2022, but the range is typically between $29,445 and $44,990.
Is being a dog groomer stressful?
Because you’re grooming challenging dogs that can even bite, you risk experiencing burnout. And you don’t have anyone to assist you in caring for the animals. Over time, you begin to lack motivation for your work.