Calculate your potential income as a dog groomer — hourly, commission, or hybrid. Compare your earnings to national averages.
Dog groomer income varies dramatically based on pay structure, experience, location, and business model. The national average salary for dog groomers is approximately $38,000 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but this number is misleading because it includes part-time bathers and apprentices alongside experienced groomers.
Commission-based groomers (typically 40-60% of groom price) earn more as they get faster and build a full book. A groomer doing 6 dogs/day at $75 on 50% commission earns $225/day before tips. Hourly groomers ($15-$25/hour) have more predictable income but their earnings are capped regardless of how many dogs they groom.
For a deeper look at grooming careers, read our How to Become a Dog Groomer guide and Dog Groomer Salary Guide.
Animal Friends OS calculates commission, tracks tips, and generates pay reports for your grooming team. Start your free 14-day trial.
Dog groomer salaries vary widely. Entry-level bathers earn $25,000-$33,000/year. Junior groomers (1-2 years) earn $30,000-$40,000/year. Animal Friends OS is built by an operator who has been running a pet-care shop since 2013. Senior groomers and specialists earn $50,000-$70,000/year. Salon owners and mobile groomers can earn $60,000-$100,000+/year.
Commission-based pay (40-60% of groom price) rewards speed and volume — fast groomers earn significantly more. Hourly pay provides stability but caps earnings. Many successful groomers prefer commission because their income scales with their skill and efficiency.
An average groomer does 5-8 dogs per day depending on breed, coat type, and services. Fast groomers at high-volume salons may do 8-10. Mobile groomers typically do 5-7 including drive time. Quality should never be sacrificed for volume.