How much do dog groomers make?
Dog groomers in the U.S. typically earn roughly $35,000 to $60,000 a year as employees, while self-employed and mobile groomers who own their client book often earn more — commonly $60,000 to $100,000+ — depending on location, appointment volume, and pricing. Income is driven far more by how many dogs you groom and what you charge than by job title.
Employed groomers are usually paid an hourly wage or a commission split (often somewhere around 40 to 60 percent of the service price), sometimes with a base guarantee. That structure puts most salon employees in the mid-five-figure range, with top earners pushing higher through tips, add-on services, and speed. Benefits and a steady client flow are the tradeoff for the lower ceiling.
Self-employed and mobile groomers keep the full service price but cover their own expenses — supplies, insurance, software, and a van if they are mobile. The ceiling is much higher because there is no split, and mobile groomers in particular command premium prices for the convenience. The realistic range for an established independent is roughly $60,000 to over $100,000, scaling with how many appointments fit in a day and how prices are set.
The two levers you actually control are volume and price. Reducing no-shows, adding profitable upsells like nail or teeth services, and raising rates without losing clients each move income more than switching employers. The income and commission calculators below let you model your own numbers, and the salary guide breaks the figures down by region and experience.
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How much does pet grooming software cost?
Most pet grooming software costs between about $20 and $200+ per month, depending on the tier, the number of groomers, and whether SMS texting is an extra add-on. GroomBoard is a flat $19/month (Solo) or $39/month (Salon) with SMS reminders included and a 14-day free trial — no setup fee and no per-message texting charges.
Is there free dog grooming software?
There are a few free or freemium grooming tools, but they typically cap the number of clients, leave out SMS reminders, or fund themselves with ads and paid add-ons. GroomBoard is not free, but at $19/month with a 14-day free trial (no credit card) it usually ends up cheaper than a "free" tool once you add the booking and texting features groomers actually rely on.
What software do dog groomers use?
Dog groomers use grooming-specific business software to handle online booking, calendar scheduling, client and pet records, and automated SMS reminders. Common options include GroomBoard, MoeGo, Gingr, DaySmart Pet, and Groomsoft — and independent or mobile groomers often choose a lighter, flat-priced tool like GroomBoard at $19/month.
Do dog groomers need insurance?
Yes — most working groomers carry general liability insurance plus pet-care (animal bailee) coverage, and it is often required before you can rent salon space or get a business license. For an independent groomer, combined coverage typically runs in the range of $30 to $60 per month, though it varies by location, coverage limits, and claims history.