When considering a new career, one of the first questions you’ll likely ask is, “Can I make a living doing this?” For animal lovers, a career as a professional dog groomer can seem like a dream job, working with adorable pets all day and getting paid for it.
But beneath the cute exterior and fluffy haircuts lies a serious profession with a wide range of earning potential. If you’ve ever wondered how much do dog groomers make, you’re in the right place.
This comprehensive guide will break down the salary expectations for dog groomers in 2025, from entry-level positions to seasoned professionals running their own businesses.
We’ll explore the factors that influence a dog groomer’s income, including location, experience, and certifications, to help you understand what a realistic salary looks like.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to take your grooming career to the next level, understanding the financial landscape is the first step.
Average Dog Groomer Salary In 2025
Across the United States, the average groomer in 2025 earns between $35,000 and $55,000 a year.
That’s the middle range, but there’s plenty of variation depending on where you live, who you work for, and how many dogs you can groom in a day. Some high-end groomers in big cities easily make closer to $70,000, while small-town groomers may land closer to the $30,000 mark.
It’s not just about the paycheck either. Many groomers get tips, and those can add up fast. A regular $10 tip from each client? That’s an extra few hundred bucks a month without even adjusting the base salary.
Entry Level Vs Experienced Groomer Pay
Starting out, most new groomers earn closer to $12 to $15 per hour, depending on location. It’s the entry phase where you’re still building speed, confidence, and a loyal client list.
That might feel slow at first, but grooming is one of those fields where the longer you stick around, the more valuable you become.
Experienced groomers who can handle tricky breeds, creative cuts, or high-volume days often see their hourly rates climb to $20 or $25. A seasoned groomer with steady clients and solid reviews can earn double what they made as a newbie.
Working At Salons Vs Mobile Grooming Vs Freelance
Where you choose to groom makes a huge difference in income. A groomer at a pet store salon usually has a steady flow of dogs but might earn a bit less since the company takes a cut.
Freelancers renting space in a salon or working out of their home have more control over rates, but they also carry the overhead costs.
Then there’s mobile grooming. Rolling up to someone’s driveway in a van is convenient for pet owners, and they’re willing to pay extra for it.
Mobile groomers often charge more per session, which means higher earning potential if you can manage the travel schedule.
The Impact Of Certifications And Training
Having a certificate from a grooming school or professional association doesn’t just look good on paper, it can bump your rates.
Pet parents are more likely to trust a groomer with formal training, especially for specialized cuts or handling nervous dogs.
Some groomers even add certifications in pet first aid, skin care, or creative grooming, which makes them stand out. Clients often pay more knowing their dog is in expert hands.
Tips On Boosting Income
Groomers who add small services like nail polishing, teeth brushing, or creative dye jobs often see their earnings rise.
It’s the little extras that can stack up into hundreds more each month. Some even sell pet products on the side, shampoos, brushes, or treats, that add to the bottom line.
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Another boost comes from speed. The faster a groomer can finish while keeping quality high, the more dogs they can fit into a workday.
That balance of skill and efficiency is what separates a good groomer from a high, earning one.
Seasonal Demand And Its Effect On Earnings
Ever notice how everyone wants their dog cleaned up before the holidays? Groomers get swamped in December and again in summer when shedding coats drive owners crazy. Busy seasons often mean longer days and more income.
Some groomers raise rates slightly during peak months, while others simply book themselves solid. Either way, if you’re flexible with hours, seasonal spikes can add thousands to annual income.
Urban Vs Rural Salaries
Living in New York, London, or Los Angeles? Expect higher rates simply because the cost of living is higher.
City groomers often earn more per dog, but the competition is fierce. Rural groomers may charge less, but they can become the go-to person in town with steady repeat clients.
It comes down to volume versus exclusivity. City groomers juggle a packed schedule, while small-town groomers rely on loyalty and word of mouth.
Benefits Beyond The Paycheck
Salary is one thing, but groomers often talk about the “perks” of the job. Flexible schedules are a big draw, especially for parents or folks with other side hustles. Discounts on pet products or free grooming for their own dogs also sweeten the deal.
Then there are the tips. A groomer who builds good relationships with clients might walk out each week with an envelope full of cash just from tips alone. That extra can easily add up to a few thousand dollars a year.
Career Growth Opportunities
Grooming isn’t a dead-end job unless you let it be. Many groomers eventually move into management, open their own salons, or train new groomers.
Others pivot into related fields like pet photography, show grooming, or even product development for grooming tools.
Some long-term groomers become judges at grooming competitions, where prestige can turn into higher demand and bigger paychecks.
Challenges That Affect Income
It’s not always smooth sailing. Groomers face tough dogs, sore backs, and the stress of keeping up with demand.
The job can be physically draining, and overhead costs for equipment, shampoo, and salon rental eat into profits.
Competition is another hurdle. In bigger cities, there may be groomers on every block, making it hard to stand out without special skills or creative marketing.
Competition And Client Loyalty
Earnings can also depend on how many other groomers are around. In a neighborhood packed with salons, prices sometimes drop
But once a groomer builds loyalty with clients, word of mouth helps secure regular income that’s steadier than chasing new business.
Future Growth Of The Industry
The pet industry keeps climbing every year, and grooming is riding that wave. More dogs in homes means more demand for trims, baths, and styling.
For new groomers starting out in 2025, the growth outlook looks strong, which is a comfort if you’re weighing this career.
How Much Do Tips Really Add Up
Some groomers say tips make the biggest difference in their paycheck. Imagine grooming four dogs a day, each with a $10 tip.
That’s an extra $200 a week, $800 a month, nearly $10,000 a year. It’s not pocket change, it’s the vacation fund or the new grooming table fund.
Friendly service, patience with pets, and remembering clients’ preferences are the kinds of things that turn average tips into generous ones.
Mobile Grooming And Its Higher Price Tag
Mobile grooming has been on the rise for years, and by 2025, it’s even more popular. Owners love the convenience of skipping the salon trip, and they’re happy to pay extra for it. That means mobile groomers often pull in higher earnings per appointment.
Of course, the trade-off is higher costs for the van, fuel, and maintenance. But for those who manage it well, the income can be worth the investment.
The Future Of Groomer Pay
With more families treating pets like kids, demand for grooming is only climbing. By 2025, it’s clear that skilled groomers can carve out comfortable careers with room for creativity and flexibility.
Those willing to learn new skills and adapt to trends, like creative cuts or eco-friendly products, are the ones boosting their income the most.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, how much do dog groomers make comes down to skill, effort, and business smarts.
The job isn’t for everyone, but for dog lovers willing to put in the work, the rewards go beyond money. It’s about wagging tails, grateful owners, and knowing you made life a little cleaner (and cuter) for both.
So, if you’ve been eyeing dog grooming as a career, what’s stopping you from picking up the clippers and starting the journey?