How and what professional groomers get paid is always a hot topic. There are so many variables:
- Hourly?
- Commission?
- Pay rates?
Over the years I’ve tested just about every possible combination of scenarios to try to determine what was fair, what worked, and what didn’t.
Look at the chart below. If you are a commissioned groomer/stylist, find your rate. Next, find your average price per dog. For example, if you earn a 50% commission rate and the average ticket price of the dog is $50, you would be earning $25 per dog.
Did you find your place on the chart?
Notice what happens to the earning potential when pets are priced higher, yet the commission rate is lower?
Where would you rather work – at a salon with lower-priced dogs but at the 50% rate or at a higher priced salon with a lower commission?
The commission rate isn’t the true barometer of your earning potential. The price per dog combined with the commission rate is what you need to look at. Even if a commission rate is 38% but the average ticket price is $70, you would be earning $1.60 MORE than the 50% commission rate at $50 average grooming price.
Don’t get hung up on the commission rate. Pay attention to the average price per pet COMBINED with a commission rate. Then, do the math. It might surprise you!
Your earning potential can be based on price per pet and how many dogs you can do in a day/week.
PetGroomer.com Wages and Business Earnings Survey
Employed Groom Tech/Pet Bathers (working 30+ hours per week) make on average $25,000-32,000 per year
Employed Pet Groomers (working 30+ hours per week) make on average $35,000-65,000 per year
Self Employed Pet Groomers (working 30+ hours per week make on average $35,000-70,000 per year