Dog Groomer Salary Guide (2026 Data)

If you're considering a career in dog grooming—or wondering whether your current earnings are competitive—understanding salary data is essential. Income varies significantly based on where you work, how you work, and how long you've been in the industry.

This guide breaks down the real numbers for 2026, including what top earners do differently.

Dog Groomer Salary Overview

National Averages (2026)

Entry-Level (0–2 years): $26,000 – $32,000
Mid-Career (2–5 years): $32,000 – $45,000
Experienced (5–10 years): $40,000 – $55,000
Top Earners (10+ years or business owners): $55,000 – $100,000+

Salary by Percentile

Salary by Employment Type

Where and how you work dramatically impacts earnings.

Corporate Salon Chains
Examples: PetSmart, Petco, Pet Supplies Plus

Typical Commission: 40–50% of service price

Pros:

• Benefits (health insurance, 401k)
• Steady client flow
• Training provided
• Predictable schedule

Cons:

• Commission structures limit upside
• Less creative freedom
• Corporate policies and performance metrics
• High volume, potential burnout

Independent Grooming Salons
Privately owned local businesses

Typical Commission: 50–60%

Pros:

• Higher commission potential
• More personalized environment
• Greater creative freedom
• Stronger client relationships

Cons:

• Income depends on salon performance
• Benefits less common
• Less predictable than corporate roles

Self-Employed Groomers
Business owners, mobile groomers, home-based operations

Pros:

• Highest earning potential
• Set your own prices and schedule
• Keep what you earn (minus expenses)
• Build equity in a business

Cons:

• No guaranteed income
• Responsible for all business operations
• No employer-provided benefits
• Startup costs and ongoing expenses

Salary by Location

Geography significantly impacts grooming salaries.

Highest-Paying States (2026)

Lowest-Paying States (2026)

Cost of Living Consideration

Raw salary doesn’t tell the whole story.

Always evaluate both salary and cost of living when considering opportunities.

Metro Areas vs. Rural Areas

Urban areas typically pay 15–30% more but come with higher competition and living costs.

Salary by Experience Level

Experience directly impacts income progression.

Career Progression

Certifications and Income Impact

How Groomers Are Paid

Hourly Wage
Common for entry-level roles and bathers.

Typical Range: $12–$25/hour

Pros:

• Predictable income
• Paid for time worked

Cons:

• Limited upside
• No reward for efficiency

Salary
Common for managers and some senior roles.

Typical Range: $30,000–$50,000/year

Pros:

• Predictable income
• Often includes benefits

Cons:

• No extra pay for extra dogs

Commission
Most common for professional groomers.

Typical Rates:

• Corporate chains: 40–50%
• Independent salons: 50–60%
• Booth rental: 60–70% (you pay rent separately)

Example:

$75 full groom × 50% commission = $37.50 per dog
6 dogs/day × $37.50 = $225/day
$225 × 250 working days = $56,250/year

Pros:

• Rewards productivity
• Higher earning potential

Cons:

• Income fluctuates
• Slow periods reduce pay

Booth Rental

Typical Rent: $300–$800/week

Example:

Gross revenue: $1,500/week
Booth rent: $500/week
Supplies: $100/week
Net income: $900/week = $46,800/year

Pros:

• More independence
• Keep higher percentage per groom

Cons:

• Must build clientele
• Pay rent regardless of volume

Self-Employment

Example:

Revenue: $120,000/year
Expenses: $45,000
Net profit: $75,000/year

Pros:

• Highest earning potential
• Business ownership equity

Cons:

• Business risk
• Self-employment taxes
• No guaranteed income

Maximizing Your Grooming Income

1. Increase Speed (Without Sacrificing Quality)

Ways to improve:

• Organize workspace
• Prep next dog while current dries
• Use time-saving equipment
• Develop efficient workflows

2. Raise Your Prices

Impact of a $5 increase:

7 dogs/day × $5 × 250 days = $8,750 more per year

3. Add High-Margin Services

4. Specialize

Premium niches include:

• Show grooming
• Creative grooming (colors, designs)
• Hand-stripping
• Giant breeds
• Cat grooming
• Fear-free grooming

5. Move Toward Self-Employment

The income ceiling is highest when you work for yourself. Even part-time side grooming can significantly supplement salon income.

Benefits and Perks

Corporate Employers Often Offer:

• Health, dental, vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Employee discounts
• Training programs
• Predictable scheduling

Independent Salons:

• May or may not offer benefits
• Often more schedule flexibility
• Sometimes continuing education

Self-Employment:
You must cover your own:

• Health insurance ($400–$800/month individual)
• Retirement savings
• Paid time off
• Business insurance
• Equipment and supplies

Always factor total compensation—not just salary.

Career Path Options

Advancement Within Employment

1. Bather → Groomer ($5–$10k increase)
2. Groomer → Senior Groomer ($3–$8k increase)
3. Senior Groomer → Salon Manager ($5–$15k increase)
4. Manager → District/Regional Manager ($10–$20k increase)

Entrepreneurial Path

1. Employee → Side clients
2. Side hustle → Part-time mobile/home grooming
3. Part-time → Full-time self-employed
4. Solo owner → Employer with staff
5. Single location → Multiple locations

Related Careers

• Veterinary technician
• Pet store management
• Pet industry sales
• Grooming education
• Pet photography
• Mobile pet services

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dog grooming financially viable?
Yes. Median earnings are modest, but experienced groomers and business owners can earn $60,000–$100,000+.

Can you make a living as a dog groomer?
Yes. Entry-level wages are lower, but experienced professionals earn comfortable incomes.

Do groomers make good money?
Compared to trades with similar training time, grooming pays moderately well—with high upside for business owners.

How can I make $100,000 as a groomer?

• Own a multi-groomer salon
• Operate premium mobile grooming (8+ dogs/day at $100+)
• Combine grooming with additional services
• High-volume solo operation in premium market

Commission or hourly?
Commission offers higher earning potential for productive groomers. Hourly is better for beginners or those who prefer predictability.

Making Your Decision

If stability is your priority: Corporate salon with benefits
If growth is your priority: Independent salon with higher commission
If income ceiling is your priority: Self-employment
If work-life balance is your priority: Home-based or controlled schedule

There is no single right path. Your best option depends on your goals, skills, and risk tolerance.

Final Thoughts

Dog grooming offers a real path to financial stability—and even prosperity—when treated as a skilled profession.

Top earners:

• Continuously improve their skills
• Treat grooming as a business
• Build loyal client relationships
• Position themselves strategically
• Often work for themselves

Your earning potential is largely in your hands. Invest in your skills, operate efficiently, and charge what you're worth.

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