Quick Answer
Dog groomers in the US earn an average of $35,000–$55,000 per year ($17–$26/hour). Mobile groomers and salon owners can earn $60,000–$120,000+ per year. Your income depends heavily on experience, location, business model, and how efficiently you manage your schedule.
Dog Groomer Salary by Experience Level (2026)
| Role | Hourly | Annual | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Salon Groomer | $12–$16 | $25,000–$33,000 | Less than 1 year experience, working under a senior groomer. |
| Experienced Salon Groomer | $18–$25 | $37,000–$52,000 | 2–5 years experience, handles all breeds independently. |
| Senior / Specialty Groomer | $25–$35 | $52,000–$73,000 | 5+ years, breed specialties, hand-scissoring skills. |
| Mobile Groomer (Solo) | $30–$60 | $50,000–$90,000 | Self-employed, 4–6 dogs/day at premium rates. |
| Salon Owner / Manager | $40–$80+ | $60,000–$120,000+ | Revenue from multiple groomers, upselling retail. |
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, ZipRecruiter, Indeed, GroomGrid groomer surveys (2025–2026).
Mobile vs Salon: Which Pays More?
🚐 Mobile Groomer
- Per groom: $70–$120 (premium pricing)
- Dogs/day: 4–6
- Daily revenue: $280–$720
- Annual (solo): $50,000–$90,000
- Overhead: Van payment, fuel, insurance ($1,500–$3,000/mo)
- Take-home: Typically 50–60% of gross after expenses
🏠 Salon Groomer
- Per groom: $40–$70 (split with salon)
- Dogs/day: 8–12
- Daily revenue: $320–$840 (before split)
- Annual (employee): $30,000–$55,000
- Overhead: Minimal (salon covers equipment, products)
- Take-home: 40–60% commission or $15–$25/hr base
Commission Structures: How Groomers Get Paid
Commission-Only (40–60% split)
You keep 40–60% of each grooming fee. Common at independent salons. The more dogs you groom, the more you earn. No floor pay — you only earn when you work.
Best for: Experienced groomers with speed and a steady client base.
Hourly + Commission Hybrid
A base hourly rate ($12–$18/hr) plus a smaller commission (15–25%). Provides income stability while rewarding productivity.
Best for: Groomers still building their speed and clientele.
Flat Salary
Fixed annual salary regardless of volume. More common at corporate salons and veterinary clinics. Predictable but limits upside.
Best for: Groomers who value stability and benefits over income growth.
booth / Chair Rental
You rent a station ($200–$600/week) and keep 100% of what you earn. Highest potential income but you cover all your own expenses.
Best for: Established groomers with a full book of clients.
How to Maximize Your Dog Grooming Income
Use Grooming Software
Automated reminders reduce no-shows by 30–40%. Online booking fills cancellations. That is $5,000–$15,000/year recovered. See how GroomGrid helps →
Raise Prices Annually
A 5–10% annual price increase keeps pace with costs. Most clients accept it — the ones who leave were your least profitable anyway.
Add Premium Services
Teeth brushing, nail grinding, de-shedding treatments, flea baths, blueberry facials. Each add-on is $10–$30 pure profit per dog.
Increase Client Retention
Rebooking at checkout, loyalty programs, and follow-up messages. A retained client is worth $600–$1,200/year.
Go Mobile
Mobile groomers charge 50–100% more per dog and have lower overhead than a brick-and-mortar lease. The trade-off is fewer dogs per day.
Specialize in Breed Cuts
Poodle, doodle, and terrier specialists command premium pricing. Certification from NDGAA or IPG adds credibility and lets you charge 20–30% more.
Highest-Paying States for Dog Groomers
California
$42,500
Washington
$40,200
Massachusetts
$39,800
New York
$38,600
New Jersey
$38,100
Connecticut
$37,400
Oregon
$36,800
Colorado
$36,200
Alaska
$35,900
Hawaii
$35,600
Want to Earn More as a Groomer?
GroomGrid helps you reduce no-shows, fill cancellations automatically, and keep clients coming back. That means more dogs groomed and more money in your pocket.