Dog Groomer - For Dog Lovers
Dog Groomer Career: Training, and How to Build a Pet Grooming Business
$30K -$100K
11/11/25
Mirav talks with Sarah Gildersleeve, a grooming professional with more than 20 years in the industry, about what dog groomers actually do, how to get trained, how to build a loyal client base, and how much you can earn in pet grooming.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What dog groomers actually do all day
How to become a dog groomer
Whether grooming school or certification is worth it
What entry-level dog groomers earn
How pricing works in salons, mobile grooming, and self-employment
How repeat clients drive steady income
What it takes to build a dog grooming business
Why pet grooming can become a flexible, scalable career
Dog Groomer Salary: How Much Can You Make?
Dog grooming can start as a service job and grow into a strong small business.
Entry-level dog groomer / bather: $30,000–$40,000
Salon dog groomer: $38,000–$55,000
Experienced dog groomer: $55,000–$70,000
Mobile dog groomer: $60,000–$80,000+
Dog grooming business owner: $100,000+
Hourly grooming work often ranges from $18 to $35+ per hour, with higher earnings coming from tips, loyal repeat clients, specialty breeds, and mobile service. Groomers who build a strong book of business or run their own salon can earn significantly more.
Why Dog Grooming Still Pays?
Dog grooming is one of the few service careers that combines hands-on work, repeat customers, and strong word-of-mouth growth. Dogs need grooming regularly. Owners rebook. Good groomers stay busy. It is also a career with real flexibility. You can work in a salon, groom from home, go mobile, specialize by breed, or build a full-service pet care business. And while plenty of industries are being reshaped by automation, dog grooming is built on trust, physical skill, and client relationships—three things software cannot replace.
For people who want to work with animals and build a service-based career with repeat income, dog grooming offers a practical and scalable path.
Compare that to other pet careers:
Dog walker career – lower ticket, higher volume →
Dog trainer career – higher ticket, fewer clients →
Pet waste removal business – minimal investment huge potential revenue →
FAQ: Dog Grooming Career
How much does a dog groomer make per year?
Most dog groomers earn between $30,000 and $70,000 per year, with top earners making $80,000+ when running their own business or working in high-demand areas.
Is dog grooming a good career?
Yes—dog grooming offers steady demand, repeat clients, and strong income potential without requiring a college degree. It’s especially good for people who want to build a local service business.
How long does it take to become a dog groomer?
You can start working in a few weeks to a few months. Many groomers learn through apprenticeships, while formal programs typically take 4–12 weeks.
Can you start dog grooming with no experience?
Yes. Many people start by working in a grooming salon, learning on the job, and gradually building their own client base.
How much does it cost to start a dog grooming business?
Startup costs range from $1,000 to $10,000+, depending on whether you work from home, rent space, or launch a mobile grooming setup.
Want Real Stories From This Career?
On How Much Can I Make?, we break down real jobs with real numbers—including pet businesses and service careers.