Dog Grooming Pricing Guide: How to Set Your Rates in 2026
The average full dog groom in 2026 costs $50-75 for small dogs, $65-95 for medium dogs, and $80-120+ for large dogs. Prices vary by region, experience level, and whether you run a salon or mobile grooming business. This guide helps you set — and raise — your rates confidently.
Average Grooming Prices in 2026
| Service | Small Dog | Medium Dog | Large Dog |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath & brush | $30-50 | $40-70 | $50-90 |
| Full groom | $50-75 | $65-95 | $80-120+ |
| Puppy first groom | $30-45 | $35-55 | $40-60 |
| De-shedding treatment | $40-60 | $55-80 | $70-100 |
| Hand stripping | $65-90 | $80-120 | $100-150+ |
Regional Price Differences
Location has one of the biggest impacts on what you can charge:
- Northeast (NY, MA, CT) — 15-25% above national average
- West Coast (CA, WA, OR) — 10-20% above national average
- Midwest (IL, OH, MI) — Near national average
- South (TX, FL, GA) — 5-15% below national average in many areas
- Mountain West (CO, UT, AZ) — Near to slightly above national average
Use our free Grooming Pricing Calculator for personalized rate recommendations based on your exact region, experience, and services.
How to Price Your Services
- Research your local market — Check competitors' posted prices online and through Google searches
- Factor in your experience — New groomers (0-2 years) should price at 85-90% of the local average. Specialists with 5+ years can charge 15-30% above average.
- Calculate your costs — Rent, supplies, insurance, and software all eat into your margins. Make sure your pricing covers costs and leaves a reasonable profit.
- Use size-based pricing — Always charge by dog size. A Yorkie and a Great Dane are not the same job.
- Add premium services — Teeth brushing ($10-15), nail grinding ($10-15), blueberry facials ($10-20), and de-shedding packages let clients self-select into higher tickets.
When (and How) to Raise Your Prices
Signs it's time to raise prices:
- You're booked out more than 1-2 weeks in advance
- You rarely get pushback on pricing
- Your costs have increased (supplies, rent, gas)
- You haven't raised prices in 6+ months
How to do it: Give clients 2-4 weeks notice via SMS. A simple message: "Hi [name], just a heads up — our prices will be adjusting by $5-10 starting [date]. Thank you for your continued trust!" Most clients won't blink.
Want to see where you stand? Try our free Pricing Calculator →