Quick Answer:
Dog groomers earn between $28,000 and $120,000+ per year in 2026. Salon employees average $28K-$42K, self-employed groomers make $38K-$65K, mobile groomers earn $50K-$90K, and grooming business owners with staff can bring in $45K-$120K or more annually.
Dog grooming is one of the few careers where your earning potential is almost entirely in your own hands. An entry-level bather at a chain salon and a mobile groomer running their own van can both be called “dog groomers,” yet one may earn $28,000 a year while the other clears $90,000. The difference comes down to employment type, location, specialization, and business model.
In this guide we break down real income data across every major grooming career path so you can see exactly where the money is and how to get there.
Dog Groomer Salary by Employment Type
The single biggest factor in how much you earn as a groomer is how you work. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the four most common career paths in dog grooming.
| Employment Type | Annual Income | Typical Hourly | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salon Employee | $28,000 – $42,000 | $13 – $20 | Hourly or commission; benefits possible at chains |
| Self-Employed (booth rent) | $38,000 – $65,000 | $18 – $35 | Keep 100% of fees minus booth rent ($400–$800/mo) |
| Mobile Groomer | $50,000 – $90,000 | $25 – $50 | Premium pricing ($75–$120/dog); 6–8 dogs/day |
| Business Owner | $45,000 – $120,000+ | Varies | Revenue minus payroll, rent, and overhead |
Salon Employees ($28K – $42K)
Working as a groomer at PetSmart, Petco, or a private salon is the most common entry point. Pay structures vary: some salons offer a flat hourly rate ($13–$18/hour), while others pay 40–50% commission on each service. Commission-based groomers who are fast and consistent tend to out-earn hourly workers. Tips add another $3,000–$8,000 per year depending on clientele and location.
Chain salons often provide benefits including health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off. Private salons rarely offer benefits but may pay higher commission rates of 50–60%.
Self-Employed Groomers ($38K – $65K)
Renting a booth or station in an existing salon lets you keep all of your service revenue. Booth rent typically runs $400–$800 per month depending on location. If you groom 6 dogs per day at $65 average and work 22 days per month, your gross revenue is about $8,580/month. After booth rent, supplies, and self-employment taxes, net income lands around $4,500–$5,500 per month or $54K–$66K annually.
The tradeoff is that you handle your own scheduling, marketing, supplies, and taxes. You will also need to arrange your own health insurance.
Self-employed groomers have more control over their schedules and pricing
Mobile Groomers ($50K – $90K)
Mobile grooming is the fastest-growing segment of the industry and commands the highest per-dog prices. Clients pay a premium for the convenience of at-home service, and mobile groomers typically charge $75–$120 per dog for a full groom. At 6–8 dogs per day and 22 working days per month, gross revenue ranges from $9,900 to $21,120 monthly.
Expenses are higher than booth rent: van payments ($500–$1,200/month), fuel ($300–$600/month), insurance ($150–$300/month), and maintenance. Still, net profit margins of 45–60% are common, giving mobile groomers strong take-home pay of $50K–$90K per year.
Business Owners ($45K – $120K+)
Owning a grooming salon or mobile fleet introduces both the highest earning ceiling and the most variability. A single-location salon generating $300,000 in annual revenue with two employee groomers might yield $60K–$80K in owner profit after rent ($2K–$5K/month), payroll, supplies, and insurance. Multi-location operators or those with 3+ mobile vans can clear $120K or more.
The first year is typically the leanest as you build clientele and absorb startup costs. Most salon owners report breaking even within 12–18 months and reaching their target income by year two or three.
Dog Groomer Salary by State (2026)
Location plays a significant role in grooming income. Coastal and metropolitan areas pay more in absolute terms, but cost of living eats into the advantage. Below are average annual salaries for employee groomers in the top 15 states by pay.
| State | Avg. Salary (Employee) | Avg. Hourly | Cost-of-Living Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $47,500 | $22.84 | 142 |
| New York | $45,800 | $22.02 | 139 |
| Washington | $44,200 | $21.25 | 118 |
| Massachusetts | $43,600 | $20.96 | 135 |
| New Jersey | $42,900 | $20.63 | 121 |
| Connecticut | $42,100 | $20.24 | 128 |
| Colorado | $40,800 | $19.62 | 113 |
| Oregon | $39,500 | $19.00 | 115 |
| Illinois | $38,700 | $18.61 | 101 |
| Minnesota | $38,200 | $18.37 | 100 |
| Virginia | $37,600 | $18.08 | 104 |
| Florida | $36,400 | $17.50 | 103 |
| Texas | $35,800 | $17.21 | 94 |
| Ohio | $34,500 | $16.59 | 90 |
| Georgia | $34,200 | $16.44 | 93 |
Notice that Texas and Ohio have cost-of-living indexes below 95, which means a $35,000 salary there stretches further than a $45,000 salary in California. Self-employed and mobile groomers in these lower-cost states often enjoy better actual purchasing power despite lower gross numbers.
How Much Do Groomers Earn Per Dog?
Understanding per-dog economics is key to projecting your income. Here is what groomers typically charge and keep per dog based on the employment model.
| Service | Avg. Price | Employee Keeps (50%) | Self-Employed Keeps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & brush (small) | $35 | $17.50 | $30–$32 |
| Full groom (medium) | $65 | $32.50 | $55–$60 |
| Full groom (large) | $85 | $42.50 | $72–$78 |
| Specialty / hand-strip | $120 | $60.00 | $100–$110 |
Self-employed numbers assume roughly $5–$8 per dog in supplies (shampoo, blades, ear cleaner) and a proportional share of monthly booth rent. Mobile groomers should add fuel and van maintenance to the per-dog cost, typically $8–$12 per appointment.
How to Earn More as a Dog Groomer
Regardless of where you start, there are proven ways to increase your grooming income over time. Here are the most effective strategies working groomers use to boost their earnings.
1. Speed and Efficiency
On a commission or per-dog model, grooming faster without sacrificing quality directly increases your daily revenue. Experienced groomers who can complete a full groom in 60–90 minutes instead of two hours will groom 6–8 dogs per day instead of 4–5. That alone can represent a 50% income boost.
2. Specialize in High-Value Breeds
Groomers who master poodle, bichon, and terrier breed cuts can charge $20–$40 more per groom. Hand-stripping, Asian fusion styles, and show cuts command even higher premiums. Building a reputation as the go-to groomer for a specific breed creates a steady stream of referrals from breed clubs and social media groups.
3. Add Revenue Streams
Top-earning groomers often layer additional services: teeth brushing ($8–$15), flea treatments ($15–$25), de-shedding treatments ($20–$40), nail painting ($10–$20), and retail product sales. These add-ons can increase your average ticket by 25–40% with minimal extra time.
4. Build Your Online Presence
Groomers with strong online profiles get more appointment requests and can charge higher prices. Claim your listing on directories like OurPetGroomer.com, maintain an active Instagram showing before-and-after photos, and encourage satisfied clients to leave Google reviews. A groomer with 50+ five-star reviews can often charge 15–20% more than competitors with fewer reviews.
5. Transition to Mobile or Ownership
The data is clear: self-employed and mobile groomers out-earn salon employees by a significant margin. If you have the skills and clientele, investing in a mobile van or opening your own salon is the most impactful way to increase your income. Read our startup guide for a detailed walkthrough.
Mobile grooming vans are a high-investment, high-return path to six-figure grooming income
Can You Make $100K Grooming Dogs?
Yes, and more groomers are hitting that mark every year. Here are the most common paths to six-figure grooming income:
- High-volume mobile grooming: 8 dogs/day at $85 average = $14,960/month gross. After expenses, net income can reach $8,000–$10,000/month ($96K–$120K/year).
- Multi-van fleet: Running 2–3 vans with hired groomers. Owner takes 30–40% of each van's revenue while still grooming in their own van.
- Salon ownership with staff: A busy salon doing $400K+ in annual revenue can yield $100K+ in owner income after expenses.
- Specialty and show grooming: Competition and show groomers charge $150–$300 per session and supplement with training workshops and online courses.
The timeline to $100K depends on your market, business model, and hustle. Mobile groomers in affluent suburbs can reach it in 2–3 years. Salon owners typically need 3–5 years to build the client base and hire enough staff to hit that level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dog groomers make per year?
Dog groomers earn between $28,000 and $120,000+ per year depending on their employment type. Salon employees average $28K–$42K, self-employed groomers make $38K–$65K, mobile groomers earn $50K–$90K, and grooming business owners can make $45K–$120K+.
How much do mobile dog groomers make?
Mobile dog groomers typically earn $50,000 to $90,000 per year. Higher earnings come from premium pricing ($75–$120 per dog), lower overhead than salon-based businesses, and the ability to service 6–8 dogs per day.
Can you make $100K as a dog groomer?
Yes, experienced dog groomers can earn over $100K annually. This is most common for grooming business owners with multiple employees, high-volume mobile groomers in affluent areas, and specialists in show grooming or luxury pet services.
What state pays dog groomers the most?
California, New York, and Washington pay dog groomers the most, with average salaries of $42K–$48K for employees. However, cost of living should be factored in — states like Texas and Florida offer lower salaries but significantly lower expenses.
How much do dog groomers make per dog?
Dog groomers earn $40–$90 per dog for a full groom, depending on the dog's size, coat condition, and breed. Commission-based groomers typically keep 40–60% of the service price, while self-employed groomers keep 100% minus expenses.
Do dog groomers make good money?
Dog grooming can be a solid middle-class income, especially for self-employed or mobile groomers. Entry-level salon jobs start around $28K, but experienced groomers who build their own business commonly earn $60K–$90K with potential for much more.