How much do Dog Groomers Make in a Year (Annual Salary)

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dog groomers make a median salary of $11.42/hour. Groomers can earn around $17.91/hour after working for 2+ years.

Salaries at the lower end of the spectrum are wages for dog bathers and student groomers who don’t have much dog grooming experience or education. These types of groomers are found in stores like Petco or Petsmart who offer entry level dog groomers an hourly wage. If you’re at the higher end of your field, where it takes more skill and expertise you can expect to earn $35,000-$50,000+ annually. Keep in mind these are average figures, you can earn more or less depending on the city you’re living in.

If you want to make more than the average, your best bet is to start a niche. You can groom certain breeds of dogs only, specialize in special cuts for toy breeds or market yourself as high end for luxury clients.

Responsibilities of a Dog Groomers

Dog groomers do more than just groom dogs. They are responsible for bathing dogs, clipping nails, cleaning ears, trimming hair and much more! The job itself isn’t easy and labor intense especially when you have larger dogs to bathe.

How to Start a Dog Grooming Business

The first step in starting a dog grooming business is to gain experience. You can do that through courses, an apprenticeship or starting at a retail store like Petco or Petsmart and working in their grooming department.

Since the pet grooming business is unregulated, you don’t need a license to start a pet grooming business. You will need to have insurance for liabilities as well.

Starting a dog grooming business can be extremely lucrative and is a good alternative to a more traditional college route. Dog grooming courses are a fraction of the cost of a college degree and starting your own business in the field of pets where the skies the limit is an excellent choice.

Other ideas:

• Groom dogs out of your home
• Start your own boutique salon
• Start a mobile dog grooming business
• Advertise your services on craigslist
• Run an ad in your local newspaper
• Build a website that represents your niche
• Start a Facebook Group for dog groomers
• Reach out to pet stores looking for dog groomers
• Add other animals to your grooming business

The possibilities are endless in the world of pets!