Dog Groomer Salary in 2025

In 2025, the pet grooming industry is experiencing robust growth. With more pet owners than ever before, the demand for professional dog groomers continues to rise. If you’re considering a career in dog grooming, understanding the salary landscape, factors influencing wages, and job trends can help you make informed decisions.

In this article, we’ll explore the average salary for dog groomers in 2025, factors that can influence take-home pay, salary by experience, job market trends, and more. Let’s dive in!

1. Average Dog Groomer Salary in 2025

The average salary for dog groomers in 2025 ranges significantly based on experience, location, and work environment. On average, a professional dog groomer can expect to earn between $30,000 and $50,000 per year. However, some experienced or specialized groomers can make upwards of $60,000 to $75,000 annually. Let’s break down the salary range:

Entry-Level Dog Groomers: $30,000 – $40,000 annually
Mid-Level Groomers (2–5 years of experience): $40,000 – $55,000 annually
Experienced Groomers (5+ years of experience): $55,000 – $75,000 annually
Top-Performing Groomers/Specialists: $80,000 and above (including those who work in high-end grooming salons or operate their own businesses)

While this provides a general idea of earnings, there are several factors that can influence these numbers.

2. Factors That Influence Dog Groomer Salary

Several key factors can impact a dog groomer’s salary in 2025, including:

a. Location

Salaries vary widely based on geographical location. Groomers in large metropolitan areas or regions with a higher cost of living tend to earn more than those in rural areas. For example, a dog groomer in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco may earn significantly more than one in a smaller town or region with fewer pet owners.

b. Experience

As in most professions, experience plays a crucial role in determining salary. Groomers with extensive hands-on experience, advanced skills, and specialized techniques tend to earn higher wages. Moreover, experienced groomers may be able to secure higher-paying positions, such as lead groomer or salon manager.

c. Business Ownership

Dog groomers who own their own grooming salons or businesses have the potential to earn more, depending on the success of their venture. By offering premium services, grooming packages, and expanding their customer base, salon owners can increase their take-home pay significantly.

d. Certifications and Education

Groomers with certifications from recognized organizations, such as the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) or International Professional Groomers (IPG), may command higher salaries. These certifications prove a higher level of expertise and commitment to the profession, which can justify higher pay rates.

e. Specialty Skills

Dog groomers who specialize in particular breeds or techniques (such as hand-stripping, scissoring, or grooming show dogs) can often charge premium rates, leading to higher earnings.

3. Salary by Experience: How Earnings Change Over Time

Here’s a closer look at how experience influences a dog groomer’s salary:

Entry-Level (0-2 years of experience):

Average Salary: $30,000 – $40,000
As an entry-level groomer, you’ll likely start in a salon or a mobile grooming business, where you’ll be learning the ropes. Your pay may be lower initially but can increase with experience and skill development.

Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience):

Average Salary: $40,000 – $55,000
After gaining some hands-on experience, you can expect higher pay as you become proficient in your craft. At this stage, you might also begin to work on more specialized breeds and offer more services, which can increase your earnings.

Experienced (5+ years of experience):

Average Salary: $55,000 – $75,000+
With more than five years in the industry, you’ll likely be in a position to earn a higher salary, especially if you’ve taken on more responsibility, such as managing a salon or operating your own business.

4. Job Market Trends: Opportunities and Demand

The dog grooming industry is expected to grow in 2025 and beyond. Pet ownership has reached record levels, and many owners are willing to invest in professional grooming services to ensure their pets are well cared for. This trend is expected to continue driving demand for groomers, especially those who can provide quality, reliable services.

Growth Rate: The pet grooming industry is projected to grow by 10-15% over the next five years, largely driven by the increase in pet ownership.
Demand for Specialized Groomers: Pet owners are increasingly seeking specialized services, including grooming for specific breeds and styles, which opens opportunities for groomers to specialize and increase earnings.

Additionally, mobile grooming services are gaining popularity, providing opportunities for groomers to run their businesses independently, increasing job flexibility and earning potential.

5. Benefits of Being a Dog Groomer

Beyond salary, dog grooming offers several benefits:

Flexibility: Many dog groomers, especially those who work in mobile grooming or run their own business, enjoy flexible working hours.
Job Satisfaction: Many groomers find fulfillment in working with animals and providing pet owners with a high-quality service.
Earning Potential: As you gain experience, your earning potential increases, especially if you run your own business.

6. Education and Certifications That Can Impact Salary

While formal education is not required to become a dog groomer, earning certifications can significantly boost your salary and career prospects. Some of the most recognized certifications include:

National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) certification
International Professional Groomers (IPG) certification
American Kennel Club (AKC) Groomer Certification

These certifications can improve your credibility, increase trust with clients, and help you command higher pay.

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Earning Potential as a Dog Groomer

In 2025, the dog grooming profession offers a rewarding career path with a wide range of salary potentials. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, there are ample opportunities to increase your earnings by specializing, gaining certifications, or even opening your own grooming business. With the demand for pet grooming services continuing to grow, now is a great time to pursue a career in this field.