How Much Does a Dog Groomer Earn & Make? Real Salary Data

Introduction

If you’re considering a career in pet care, you’ve probably asked yourself: How much does a dog groomer earn? The honest answer depends heavily on whether you’re employed at a salon, running a mobile grooming van, or self-employed with your own client base.

This guide breaks down real salary data from multiple sources, shows how pay changes by experience and location, and explains exactly how top-earning groomers make significantly more than the national average.

Table of Contents

• Average Dog Groomer Salary
• Salary by Experience Level
• Employed vs. Self-Employed & Mobile Groomers
• Highest-Paying States and Cities
• Factors That Affect a Dog Groomer’s Salary
• How to Increase Your Earnings as a Dog Groomer
• Is Dog Grooming a Good Career Choice?
• How to Become a Dog Groomer
• Frequently Asked Questions

Average Dog Groomer Salary

So exactly how much does a dog groomer earn on average? Salary figures vary quite a bit depending on the source, mostly because different platforms count self-employed groomers, tips, and commission differently. Here’s how the major salary sites compare:

Why such a wide range? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups dog groomers under the broader “Animal Caretakers” category and excludes self-employed groomers and business owners entirely.

That single exclusion is a major reason government data reports lower averages than commercial salary sites; self-employed and mobile groomers, who often earn considerably more, simply aren’t counted.

Dog Groomer Salary by Experience Level

Like most skilled trades, dog groomers’ pay increases significantly as groomers build experience and speed:

• Entry-level (0–1 year): $25,000 – $31,000 per year
• Early career (1–4 years): $31,000 – $38,000 per year
• Mid-career (4–8 years): $38,000 – $48,000 per year
• Experienced/senior groomers (8+ years): $48,000 – $65,000+ per year
• Top 10% earners (typically shop owners or specialists): $65,000 – $89,000+ per year

Employed vs. Self-Employed & Mobile Groomers

This is where dog groomer income averages can be misleading. Groomers employed at a salon or big-box pet store typically earn a steady hourly wage or commission, while self-employed and mobile groomers control their own pricing and client volume and often earn far more.

• Salon-employed groomers: Usually $30,000 – $45,000 per year, often paid hourly or on a 40–60% commission split per groom.
• Mobile groomers frequently earn $13,000+ more annually than salon-based groomers, since they charge premium rates plus a travel fee (commonly an extra $25 per visit) and eliminate salon overhead.
• Self-employed / business owners: In busy markets, self-employed groomers regularly earn $75,000 – $100,000+ per year once they build a full client book.

To put this in perspective: a self-employed groomer working 6–8 dogs a day at $60–$90 per groom can generate $360–$720 in daily revenue before expenses, a very different picture than a flat hourly wage.

Highest-Paying States and Cities

Location plays a major role in dog groomer pay. Based on recent salary data, the highest-paying states include:

• District of Columbia: around $43,400/year
• California: around $43,300/year
• Massachusetts: around $42,700/year
• Washington & New Jersey around $42,500/year
• Alaska: around $42,500/year

Keep in mind that higher-paying states often have a higher cost of living, which can offset some of the salary advantage. It’s worth comparing take-home pay against local rent and expenses rather than salary figures alone.

Factors That Affect a Dog Groomer’s Salary

Several key variables explain why dog groomer pay differs so much from one professional to the next:

• Experience and speed. Faster, more skilled groomers can take on more clients per day, directly increasing income.
• Employment type. Commission and self-employed structures typically out-earn flat hourly salon roles.
• Location. Urban areas and higher cost-of-living states generally pay more per groom.
• Specialization. Breed-specific styling, show grooming, or specialized skin/coat treatments command premium pricing.
• Tips and add-ons. Nail trims, teeth brushing, de-shedding treatments, and tips can meaningfully boost take-home pay.
• Client base size. Groomers with an established, loyal client list earn more consistently than those relying on walk-ins.

How to Increase Your Earnings as a Dog Groomer

• Go mobile or self-employed once experienced. Cutting out salon overhead and charging your own rates is the single biggest earnings lever.
• Offer add-on services. De-shedding treatments, teeth cleaning, and specialty shampoos increase revenue per appointment.
• Build a retail or referral income stream. Recommending grooming products that clients already trust you for can create passive income.
• Network with other groomers. Staying current on trends and techniques helps you take on more advanced (and better-paying) styling work.
• Invest in speed and technique training. The faster and more consistently you can groom quality work, the more clients you can serve per day.

Is Dog Grooming a Good Career Choice?

How to Become a Dog Groomer

• Complete a grooming training program many last a few weeks to a few months, either in-person or online.
• Gain hands-on experience through an apprenticeship or entry-level salon position.
• Consider certification from a recognized grooming association to build client trust.
• Decide on a business model: salon employment, mobile van, or independent shop based on your goals and starting capital.
• Build a client base through referrals, local advertising, and consistent quality work.

Final Thoughts

So, how much does a dog groomer earn? The realistic answer is: it depends heavily on your path. Employed salon groomers can expect a steady $30,000–$50,000 a year, while experienced self-employed and mobile groomers routinely push past $75,000.

If you love animals and are willing to build speed, skill, and a loyal client base, dog grooming can be both a rewarding and financially solid career choice.

FAQs

1. How much does a dog groomer earn per year on average?

Most sources place the average U.S. dog groomer salary between $37,000 and $54,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and whether tips and self-employment income are included.

2. How much does a dog groomer earn per hour?

Hourly pay typically ranges from $17 to $28 per hour for employed groomers, with government data reporting a median closer to $17.

3. Do self-employed or mobile dog groomers earn more?

Yes. Self-employed and mobile groomers in busy markets often earn $75,000 to $100,000 or more per year, well above salon-employed averages, since they set their own prices and avoid salon overhead.

4. Which states pay dog groomers the most?

Washington, D.C., California, Massachusetts, Washington, New Jersey, and Alaska currently report the highest average dog groomer salaries in the U.S.

5. Do dog groomers make good tips?

Tips can meaningfully add to a groomer’s income, especially for those with a loyal, repeat client base, though tip amounts vary widely by region and salon type.

6. How long does it take to become a dog groomer?

Most grooming training programs take a few weeks to a few months to complete, though building speed and advanced styling skills typically takes a year or more of hands-on practice.

7. Is dog grooming a stable career?

Yes. Pet ownership and spending on pet care services continue to grow, keeping demand for skilled groomers strong across both salon and mobile grooming markets.