Pet grooming is a growing field. It’s a career path that typically starts modestly with bathing dogs in a tub and quickly progresses to financial and personal rewards. About 346,000 people work in pet grooming and boarding in the U.S. today, a number projected to rise to roughly 357,000 by the end of 2026. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 11% growth in animal care roles through 2034.
Published medians for “all” animal care workers ($33,860/year according to BLS) pull in lower-wage pet care handlers and don’t accurately reflect certified groomer salaries. In practice, grads average closer to $30/hour, and that’s before specialization.
Highly experienced groomers often specialize in advanced styling techniques, breed-standard trims, hand scissoring, corrective grooming, or competition grooming. These specialty services allow professionals to charge premium pricing while building a loyal client base willing to pay for higher levels of expertise. That’s because the top 30% of dog owners earn $120,000 or more a year.
Experienced groomers with advanced technical knowledge and credentials are able to charge considerably more per appointment than average salons.
- Hand-scissored Poodle trims may range from $175 to $300 dollars
- Specialty Doodle grooming appointments may range from $120 to $200 dollars
- Corrective grooming services are often charged at premium hourly rates
- Show grooming and competition preparation can command even higher pricing
Where typical groomers may earn around $60,000/yr, many who choose to elevate their skill level can earn between $80,000/yr and $150,000/yr dollars annually, depending on their location, clientele, pricing structure, and additional business ventures. Some of that will depend on whether you intend to go into business for yourself as a solo groomer, work in a private salon, or join a corporate multistore company, where there are additional paths to become a salon lead or trainer.
Career Paths In Grooming:
There is overlap in paths to a great grooming career, but here are the most common types of working environments you will find in the industry.
• Independent groomer —Roughly half of working groomers are self-employed. Many well-established solo groomers earn $100,000+ at the height of their careers, as do those who go on to grow their salons to include a team of groomers. One of the greatest long-term advantages of grooming is the opportunity to become your own boss. Many experienced groomers eventually transition into salon ownership, mobile grooming businesses, or home-based studios where local regulations allow.
Business ownership introduces additional responsibilities such as marketing, scheduling, payroll, and managing expenses. However, it also creates the potential for significantly increased income because, as you hire and grow a team, revenue is no longer limited to the number of dogs one individual can groom personally.
• Mobile Groomer — Mobile grooming businesses also continue growing in popularity due to convenience and market demand. Mobile groomers can be independent businesses or work for chain corporations/franchises. In either case, grooming fees often range:
- $90 to $130 for small dog grooms
- $150 to $250 or more for large doodles and specialty coats
- Additional fees for add-on spa services and convenience
Although mobile grooming includes higher operating expenses such as vehicle payment, fuel, maintenance, and insurance, many mobile groomers still report six-figure earning potential due to elevated service pricing and loyal clientele.
• Corporate Chain Groomer — Multistore retail pet corporations continue to expand their service departments and are always looking for both new and experienced groomers. Many will pay for your education while you work. From entry level ranges in the mid-$30ks to team leader or senior Stylist salaries over $100,000, pet care corporations represent an excellent career path with numerous opportunities for growth. They also typically offer benefits such as health care, PTO, and other desirable perks.
• Private Salon or Boarding & Daycare Groomer — Opportunities abound for well-trained groomers to work in private salons or in the grooming department of boarding and daycare facilities. Many progressive business owners will often pay for training if you’re a fit for their team. Pay ranges are very wide in this category and depend on ticket price and commission structure. Well-known, high-end salons are often home to the industry’s highest paid groomers.
Advanced or Master Groomer Opportunities
In addition to grooming appointments, advanced groomers often expand their income through:
• Teaching seminars and workshops
• Mentoring newer groomers
• Creating educational content
• Working with grooming product companies
• Speaking at industry trade shows
Some pursue opportunities within grooming competitions and professional education. Grooming judges and industry educators are often among the most respected professionals in the field, with years of technical training and breed-standard expertise behind them. These professionals may supplement their income by:
• Judging grooming competitions
• Teaching certification programs
• Leading live demonstrations at trade shows
• Hosting online educational courses
• Partnering with grooming brands and manufacturers
Well-known educators and competition groomers may earn several hundred to several thousand dollars for a single seminar or speaking engagement depending on their experience and reputation within the industry.
For some professionals, these opportunities evolve into full-scale businesses centered around education, mentorship, and professional development.
A Career With Real Growth Potential
One of the most encouraging aspects of pet grooming is that income is not fixed. Unlike many traditional careers with rigid pay structures, grooming rewards skill development, consistency, creativity, and initiative.
Some groomers choose flexible schedules that support work-life balance and family priorities. Others pursue advanced certifications, competition grooming, business ownership, or educational opportunities to maximize their earning potential.
Whether your goal is to build a stable income, create your own business, or become an industry leader, grooming offers a career path with room to grow for many years to come.