How Much Do Dog Groomers Make? Salary Guide for 2026
Dog groomers in the United States earn between $39,000 and $55,000 per year on average in 2026, with top earners making $65,000 or more. Self-employed groomers who set their own rates and manage their own bookings typically earn more than salaried employees.
Average Groomer Salary in 2026
Based on data from ZipRecruiter, Salary.com, Glassdoor, and PayScale:
- Average annual salary: $39,000 - $55,000
- Average hourly rate: $17 - $26/hour
- Entry level (1-3 years): ~$25,000 - $35,000
- Mid-career (3-7 years): ~$38,000 - $50,000
- Senior (8+ years): ~$45,000 - $65,000+
Employed vs Self-Employed: Where the Money Really Is
The salary data above mostly reflects employed groomers. Self-employed groomers have a very different income picture:
Working for a Salon (Commission Model)
Most salon groomers earn 40-60% commission on each groom. If you groom 5 dogs per day at $75 average, that's $375/day — but you take home $150-225 (40-60%). Over a year (250 working days), that's $37,500-56,250.
Running Your Own Business
Independent groomers keep 100% of revenue after expenses. Same 5 dogs per day at $75:
- Gross revenue: $375/day → $93,750/year
- Expenses (rent, supplies, software, insurance): ~$15,000-25,000/year
- Net income: $68,750-78,750/year
That's significantly more than the commission model, which is why more groomers are going independent every year.
Factors That Affect Groomer Income
- Location — Northeast and West Coast groomers earn 15-30% more, but cost of living is higher
- Experience — Specializations like hand-stripping, creative grooming, and show grooming command premium rates
- Business model — Commission vs independent vs mobile (mobile groomers can charge 10-20% premiums for convenience)
- Efficiency — Groomers who use booking software to minimize gaps and reduce no-shows earn more per hour
- Pricing — Many groomers undercharge. Our Pricing Calculator shows what groomers in your area actually charge.
How to Earn More as a Groomer
- Go independent — Keep 100% of your revenue instead of 40-60% commission
- Raise your prices — If you're fully booked, your prices are too low. Check our pricing guide for market rates.
- Reduce no-shows — Automated SMS reminders prevent $700+/month in lost revenue. Calculate your losses.
- Add premium services — Teeth brushing, nail painting, de-shedding packages, and spa add-ons increase your average ticket
- Streamline scheduling — Online booking and a visual calendar reduce gaps between appointments
If you're thinking about going independent, read our complete guide to starting a dog grooming business.