How Much Do Dog Groomers Make?

If you're thinking about a career in dog grooming — or you're already grooming and wondering if you're earning what you should — you've probably searched this question more than once. How much do dog groomers make? The honest answer: it depends a lot on your situation. An employee at a corporate pet chain earns very differently than an independent salon owner with a full book of regulars. This guide breaks down real 2026 numbers across every grooming scenario so you can set realistic expectations and, more importantly, know how to earn more.

Average Dog Groomer Salary in 2026

Nationally, employed dog groomers earn between $30,000 and $52,000 per year, with the median sitting around $38,000–$42,000. Hourly, that works out to roughly $15–$25/hour for salaried or hourly positions.

But those averages can be misleading. They include part-time groomers, entry-level salon employees, and groomers in lower cost-of-living areas. Experienced groomers in major metros — or those running their own business — regularly earn $60,000–$90,000+.

Salary ranges by experience level:

Employed vs. Self-Employed: A Big Difference

Where you work matters as much as how long you've been grooming.

Working for a Corporate Chain (PetSmart, Petco, etc.)

Starting pay at corporate groomers typically runs $15–$18/hour as a trainee, scaling to $20–$28/hour for certified groomers. You'll also receive tips, which add $5–$15 per dog in many locations. Benefits (health insurance, PTO) come with the job — a real advantage over self-employment.

The downside: you're limited in how many dogs you can groom per shift, and corporate salons set prices (which limits your earnings ceiling). Many experienced groomers outgrow this model within a few years.

Working for an Independent Salon

Independent salons often pay commission — typically 50–60% of the service price — rather than hourly. On a $90 full groom, you'd take home $45–$54 before tips. A busy day of 8 dogs at that rate can net $360–$430 plus tips. Annualized, full-time commission groomers at well-run independents often clear $45,000–$65,000.

Running Your Own Grooming Business

This is where earnings get interesting. When you own the business, you keep the full service price (minus overhead). A self-employed groomer charging $85/groom, doing 8 dogs/day, 5 days/week earns $3,400/week in gross revenue — about $170,000 annually before expenses.

After factoring in rent, supplies, insurance, software, and other overhead (typically 30–50% of revenue for a lean operation), net income for a solo salon owner often lands between $55,000–$110,000, depending on location and efficiency.

If you're planning to go this route, it's worth reviewing startup costs first:
Starting a Dog Grooming Business: Costs

Mobile groomers typically earn more per dog (charging a premium for convenience) but do fewer dogs per day due to travel time. Their net income range is similar — $60,000–$100,000 for full-time operators.

What Factors Affect a Dog Groomer's Salary?

Location

This is probably the biggest variable. A groomer in Manhattan or San Francisco can charge $150+ for a standard Doodle groom. The same service in smaller or rural areas may be significantly lower. Higher cost-of-living markets usually mean higher pricing power.

Specialization

Groomers who specialize in certain breeds or styles command premium prices. Asian Fusion styling, show grooming, and hand-stripping specialists regularly charge $150–$300+ per appointment. Investing in advanced training can dramatically increase your earning ceiling.

Clientele and Scheduling Efficiency

Two groomers in the same city charging the same prices can earn very different amounts based on how efficiently they run their books. A groomer who uses automated reminders, has a clear cancellation policy, and minimizes no-shows will consistently earn more.

Add-On Services

Add-ons are where profit margins shine. Teeth brushing, blueberry facials, de-shedding treatments, nail grinding, and more can add $10–$25 per appointment with minimal extra time. Over a year, this can translate into tens of thousands in additional revenue.

How to Increase Your Grooming Income

Whether you're employed or self-employed, there are real levers you can pull to earn more.

Raise your prices. If you're booked out weeks in advance, you're likely underpriced. Small increases (10–15%) can significantly boost income without losing many clients. For a full breakdown, read:
How to Set Your Grooming Prices: A Complete Guide for Salon Owners

Reduce no-shows and cancellations. Automated reminders and deposits can dramatically improve your schedule reliability.

Add retail products. Selling shampoos, brushes, and grooming tools adds revenue without increasing workload.

Hire help. A bather or assistant allows you to groom more dogs per day, increasing total output.

Use grooming software. Tools like Teddy help streamline scheduling, reminders, payments, and client communication. With features like automated texts and centralized booking, Teddy helps groomers stay fully booked and reduce administrative time — which directly impacts income.

Dog Groomer Income by Business Type (Summary)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do dog groomers make per hour?

Employed dog groomers typically earn $15–$28/hour depending on experience and employer. Commission-based groomers can effectively earn $25–$40/hour when fully booked. Self-employed groomers can reach $40–$60+/hour in gross revenue before expenses.

Is dog grooming a good career financially?

Yes — especially with experience and a solid client base. The industry offers stable demand, and groomers who specialize, price correctly, and run efficiently can earn strong incomes.

How much do dog groomers make in tips?

Most groomers receive tips on 50–80% of appointments, averaging $10–$20 per dog. That can add up to $15,000–$30,000/year for full-time groomers.

Do mobile dog groomers make more money?

They often charge more per appointment, but complete fewer dogs per day. Net income is typically similar to salon owners, though the work can be more physically demanding.

How can I make more money as a dog groomer?

Focus on raising prices when demand is high, adding services, reducing no-shows, improving efficiency, and — if it fits your goals — transitioning to self-employment where you keep a larger share of revenue.