Pet Groomer

Pet groomers keep animals clean, healthy, and looking their best — bathing, clipping, styling, and performing coat and skin care in salon, mobile, and home-based settings.

The BLS groups groomers with animal caretakers at a $31,200 median salary, but experienced groomers with their own clientele or business can earn significantly more. With 14% projected job growth and low barriers to entry, pet grooming is one of the few animal care careers where entrepreneurship and skill development can substantially increase your earning potential beyond the BLS numbers.

What Does a Pet Groomer Do?

Pet groomers specialize in the appearance, hygiene, and coat health of companion animals — primarily dogs, but also cats and occasionally other small animals. While the BLS classifies this role under “Animal Caretakers” (SOC 39-2021), the day-to-day work is entirely different from the shelter, kennel, and zoo caretaker roles that share that classification. Grooming is a skilled trade focused on breed-specific styling, coat maintenance, and animal handling in a salon environment.

Core responsibilities include:

• Bathing and drying — Washing animals with appropriate shampoos and conditioners for their coat type and skin condition, then drying with forced-air dryers or cage dryers
• Haircut and styling — Using clippers, scissors, and thinning shears to create breed-standard cuts (poodle continental clip, schnauzer pattern, bichon round head) or owner-requested styles
• Brush-out and de-matting — Removing tangles, mats, and loose undercoat with slicker brushes, dematting tools, and undercoat rakes
• Nail trimming — Clipping or Dremel-grinding nails to a safe length, including managing quick avoidance and styptic powder application for nicks
• Ear cleaning — Removing excess hair from ear canals (particularly in breeds like poodles and shih tzus) and cleaning with appropriate solutions
• Anal gland expression — A routine but unpleasant task that many pet owners rely on groomers to perform
• Skin and coat assessment — Identifying skin conditions (hot spots, fungal infections, parasites, allergies), lumps, or injuries and alerting owners
• Teeth brushing — Offering basic dental hygiene services as an add-on
• Client communication — Discussing style preferences, coat condition, and any health concerns observed during the grooming process with pet owners

Grooming is as much about animal safety as it is about aesthetics. Handling a nervous 80-pound dog on a grooming table, managing a cat that panics around water, or safely working around the face and feet of a bite-prone animal requires real skill and confidence.

A Day in the Life

A pet groomer working in a busy salon starts the day around 8:00 a.m. as drop-off appointments begin. Owners bring in their dogs — some wagging tails, some trembling — and you discuss what they want: “Just a bath and tidy-up,” “Full breed cut,” or “He’s completely matted, just shave him down.”

Your first dog of the day might be a golden retriever in for a bath, brush-out, nail trim, and ear cleaning. You soak the coat, work in shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and blow-dry — a process that takes 45 minutes to an hour for a large, thick-coated breed. While the retriever dries in a kennel, you bring up a toy poodle for a full haircut: body clipped to a uniform length, legs scissored into clean columns, face and feet shaved, and a round, fluffy topknot shaped by hand.

Between dogs, you sweep up hair (mountains of it), sanitize your table and tools, and check the schedule. A typical groomer handles 4 to 8 dogs per day depending on size and complexity. A simple bath on a small dog might take 30 minutes; a full grooming on a large, matted doodle can take 2 to 3 hours.

The afternoon might bring a cat grooming appointment — which requires a different approach entirely. Cats are less predictable, more stressed by the process, and some groomers refuse feline clients altogether. Those who take on cats charge a premium for the specialized handling required.

Throughout the day, you are on your feet, arms extended at table height, making repetitive motions with scissors and clippers. Your hands, wrists, shoulders, and back take a beating over time. You are also constantly managing animal behavior — reading body language, adjusting your approach for nervous or aggressive animals, and sometimes making the judgment call that a dog is too stressed to continue safely.

The day ends around 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. after the last pickup, and you clean and organize the salon, sterilize tools, and prep for the next day.

Pet Groomer Salary and Job Outlook

National Salary Data

*BLS figures combine all animal caretakers (SOC 39-2021), including kennel workers, shelter staff, and zoo keepers — not groomers alone. Actual groomer-specific numbers are a subset.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024 data.

What Groomers Actually Earn

The BLS median of $31,200 significantly understates what skilled, experienced groomers can earn. The BLS figure captures the broad “animal caretakers” category, which pulls in lower-paid kennel and shelter workers. In reality, groomer compensation varies enormously based on employment model:

• Salon employee (hourly + tips): $25,000 - $35,000. Entry-level groomers at corporate chains like PetSmart or Petco start at $12-$16/hour plus tips.
• Commission-based salon groomer: $30,000 - $50,000. Experienced groomers earning 50-60% commission on each groom, plus tips, can do well in busy salons.
• Independent/booth rental groomer: $40,000 - $65,000. Renting a station in a salon and setting your own prices lets you keep more of each groom.
• Mobile groomer (own van): $50,000 - $80,000+. Mobile groomers charge premium prices ($75-$150 per dog) and can build a loyal client base with no salon overhead — though the van itself costs $50,000-$100,000.
• Salon owner: $60,000 - $100,000+. Owning a grooming business with multiple groomers working for you is where the real earning potential lies — but it also carries the risks and responsibilities of business ownership.

Highest-Paying States

Note: These figures reflect the full animal caretakers category. Groomers in affluent metro areas often earn above these averages due to higher service prices and tipping culture.

The Business Opportunity

Pet grooming stands apart from most animal care careers because of its entrepreneurial potential. The U.S. pet industry exceeds $140 billion annually, and grooming is a consistent, repeat-service business — most dog owners groom their pets every 4-8 weeks. Unlike animal caretaker or veterinary technician roles where you work for an employer, grooming offers a clear path to business ownership.

How to Become a Pet Groomer

Path 1: Grooming School (4-16 Weeks)

Dedicated grooming schools teach hands-on technique under experienced instructors. Programs typically cover:

• Bathing techniques for all coat types
• Clipper work: blade sizes, snap-on combs, body clipping patterns
• Scissor technique: straight shears, curved shears, thinning shears, blenders
• Breed-specific styling (AKC breed standards for 50+ breeds)
• Cat grooming (offered by some programs)
• Animal handling, safety, and first aid
• Business fundamentals: pricing, scheduling, client management

Cost: $3,000 - $10,000 depending on program length and location. Some programs include starter tool kits.

Duration: 4 to 16 weeks full-time, or longer for part-time programs.

Path 2: Corporate Training (PetSmart Academy, Petco Grooming Academy)

Major pet retailers offer paid apprenticeship-style programs where you learn grooming while earning a paycheck. PetSmart’s Grooming Academy, for example, puts trainees through a structured 800-hour program that progresses from bathing to full-service grooming.

Pros: You earn while you learn, no upfront tuition cost, and graduates are typically offered a position with the company upon completion.

Cons: You are locked into that employer during and after training (typically a 2-year commitment), starting pay is lower, and the training may focus more on speed and volume than advanced technique.

Path 3: Private Apprenticeship

Some independent groomers take on apprentices, training them one-on-one in a working salon environment. This is the traditional way groomers learned the trade and can provide excellent mentorship — but the quality depends entirely on the mentor.

Path 4: Self-Taught (Not Recommended for Beginners)

Some people attempt to learn grooming through YouTube videos, books, and practice on their own pets. While these resources are useful supplements, grooming involves real safety risks (clipper burns, scissor injuries, stressed animals) that are best learned under supervision. Starting without formal training or mentorship increases the risk of injuring an animal and building bad habits that limit your career.

Timeline from start to working: 1-6 months for entry-level bathing and basic grooming positions. 1-2 years to develop full breed-cut proficiency. 3-5 years to reach advanced skill levels.

Licensing and Certification

State Licensing

As of 2026, no U.S. state requires a grooming license. The industry is largely unregulated, which means anyone can technically call themselves a groomer. This is both an opportunity (low barriers to entry) and a concern (inconsistent quality and safety standards across the industry).

Several states have considered licensing legislation. Connecticut and New Jersey have passed laws requiring grooming facilities to meet certain safety and sanitation standards, though they stop short of licensing individual groomers.

Professional Certifications

Voluntary certifications demonstrate competency and professionalism to clients and employers:

• National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) — Offers certification testing at workshops and trade shows. Groomers demonstrate practical skills on live dogs and are evaluated by certified judges.
• International Professional Groomers (IPG) — Provides tiered certification levels from basic to master groomer
• International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) — Offers certification for working groomers based on skills demonstration
• National Cat Groomers Institute (NCGI) — The leading certification for cat groomers, including the Certified Feline Master Groomer designation

Why Certification Matters

While not legally required, certification serves several practical purposes:

• Builds client trust and justifies higher pricing
• Demonstrates commitment to safety and continuing education
• Differentiates you from untrained competitors
• May be required by some employers or insurance providers
• Required by some grooming competition organizations

Skills and Tools

Technical Skills

• Breed knowledge — Understanding coat types (double coat, single coat, wire, curly, silky) and breed-standard grooming patterns for 50+ breeds
• Clipper technique — Selecting appropriate blade lengths, maintaining consistent pressure, and achieving smooth, even results
• Scissor work — Hand-scissoring faces, feet, legs, and topknots with precision — the skill that separates competent groomers from great ones
• Animal handling — Reading body language, managing stress signals, safely restraining animals on the table, and knowing when to stop
• Coat assessment — Evaluating coat condition, identifying skin issues, and recommending appropriate care plans
• Speed and efficiency — Managing time per dog to maintain profitability without rushing and compromising safety or quality

Equipment and Tools

• Clippers: High-speed professional clippers (Andis, Wahl, Oster) with detachable blades (#3, #4, #5, #7, #10, #15, #30, #40) and snap-on comb attachments
• Scissors: Straight shears (7"-8"), curved shears, thinning shears, and blending shears in professional-grade steel
• Grooming table: Hydraulic or electric adjustable table with grooming arm and loop for safety
• Dryers: High-velocity forced-air dryers for removing water and loose coat; stand dryers for fluff-drying
• Brushes and combs: Slicker brushes, pin brushes, undercoat rakes, dematting tools, Greyhound combs (coarse and fine)
• Nail tools: Guillotine and scissor-style nail clippers, Dremel rotary grinder, styptic powder
• Bathing system: Professional bathing tub with sprayer, shampoo dilution system
• Cleaning supplies: Blade wash, clipper oil, Barbicide for disinfection, sanitizing sprays

A professional groomer’s starter tool kit costs $500-$1,500. High-end shears alone can cost $200-$500 per pair.

Soft Skills

• Patience — Some dogs are terrified. Some are aggressive. Some are wiggly puppies experiencing their first groom. You need calm, consistent energy through all of it.
• Client communication — Managing expectations when an owner wants a specific cut that is not achievable given their dog’s coat condition (matted coats cannot always be saved)
• Physical endurance — Standing 8+ hours, repetitive arm and hand motions, wrestling large dogs, and bending over tubs
• Business sense — If you go independent, you need to price services, manage scheduling, handle marketing, and track finances
• Eye for aesthetics — Grooming is a visual skill. Symmetry, proportion, and clean lines matter.

Work Environment

Settings

• Grooming salons — Standalone shops or salons within pet retail stores (PetSmart, Petco, independent shops)
• Mobile grooming vans — Self-contained grooming rigs that travel to clients’ homes
• Home-based salons — Groomers who convert garage space or a spare room into a grooming studio
• Veterinary clinics — Some clinics offer grooming services as a complement to veterinary care
• Boarding and daycare facilities — Grooming services offered as add-ons for boarded pets

Schedule

Most salons operate Tuesday through Saturday, with Mondays off (a grooming industry tradition). Grooming is appointment-based, so hours are relatively predictable — typically 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Holiday weeks (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter) are peak periods with heavy booking. Self-employed groomers have more flexibility to set their own schedules.

Physical Demands and Hazards

• Repetitive strain: Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and shoulder injuries are occupational hazards from years of clipper and scissor work
• Standing fatigue: Full shift on your feet, often bending over a table or tub
• Animal bites and scratches: Even well-tempered dogs can bite when scared. Cats are particularly unpredictable.
• Noise: High-velocity dryers produce significant noise (80-100 decibels). Hearing protection is advisable.
• Chemical exposure: Shampoos, flea products, and cleaning chemicals
• Clipper burns and scissor injuries: Both to animals (which you must manage and disclose) and to yourself

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Creative, hands-on work with animals every day
• Strong entrepreneurial potential — own your business, set your prices
• Low barriers to entry (no degree required)
• High demand, especially in suburban and affluent areas
• Flexible schedule when self-employed
• Tangible results — you see the transformation with every dog

Cons:

• BLS-reported pay is low, though skilled groomers can earn well above median
• Physical toll on hands, wrists, back, and shoulders accumulates over years
• Risk of bites and scratches is constant
• Dealing with matted, neglected, or aggressive animals is stressful
• Self-employment means no employer-provided benefits (health insurance, retirement)
• High startup costs for mobile grooming or salon ownership

Career Advancement

Advancement Path

Specialization Options

• Show grooming — Preparing purebred dogs for AKC and UKC conformation shows. Requires mastery of breed standards and is a niche but prestigious (and well-paid) specialty.
• Cat grooming — Fewer groomers handle cats, so specialists command premium prices. The NCGI Certified Feline Master Groomer credential is the gold standard.
• Creative grooming — Artistic grooming (color, sculpting, temporary designs) for competitions and social media marketing. While not a major income stream on its own, it builds brand visibility.
• Grooming education — Teaching at grooming schools, leading workshops, or creating online courses for aspiring groomers.
• Competition grooming — Entering grooming competitions at trade shows (Groom Expo, SuperZoo, Barkleigh) for prizes, prestige, and industry recognition.

Related Careers

• Animal Caretaker — $31,200 median, shelter/kennel/zoo settings
• Veterinary Technician — $41,240 median, clinical setting (requires associate degree)
• Dog Trainer — Variable income, behavior-focused
• Veterinary Assistant — ~$30,000 median, clinical support

Browse all Animal & Environmental Careers.

Professional Associations

• National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) — Certification testing, workshops, and industry events
• International Professional Groomers (IPG) — Tiered certification program and continuing education
• National Cat Groomers Institute (NCGI) — Feline grooming certification and training
• International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) — Certification, education, and networking for professional groomers
• Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) — Resources for pet care businesses including grooming, boarding, and daycare

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to become a pet groomer?

No. As of 2026, no U.S. state requires an individual grooming license. However, some states require grooming facilities to meet specific safety and sanitation standards. Voluntary certifications from organizations like the NDGAA or IPG demonstrate professionalism and are valued by clients and employers.

How long does it take to learn pet grooming?

Basic bathing and prep skills can be learned in a few weeks. Competent full-service grooming (breed cuts, scissor work) typically takes 1-2 years of practice. True mastery — the ability to do show-quality breed cuts and handle any dog safely — takes 3-5 years or more. Grooming school accelerates the early learning curve, but skill development is ongoing.

How much can a pet groomer really make?

The BLS reports a $31,200 median, but this includes lower-paid kennel workers in the same occupational category. Experienced groomers earning commission or working independently commonly earn $40,000-$60,000. Mobile groomers and salon owners with established businesses can earn $70,000-$100,000+. Your income depends heavily on your speed, skill level, pricing, location, and business model.

Is pet grooming hard on your body?

Yes. The physical demands are significant. Standing all day, repetitive hand and arm motions, bending over grooming tables, and restraining large or uncooperative animals take a cumulative toll. Carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and shoulder injuries are common among long-career groomers. Investing in ergonomic equipment (hydraulic tables, quality shears) and taking breaks helps, but this is physical work.

Should I go to grooming school or learn at a corporate chain?

Both paths work. Grooming school provides concentrated training in a shorter time frame and exposes you to a wider variety of breeds and techniques. Corporate programs (PetSmart, Petco) let you earn while learning but may lock you into an employment commitment and focus more on volume than artistry. If you plan to go independent or specialize, grooming school may give you a stronger foundation.

Can I start a mobile grooming business?

Yes, and many groomers do. Mobile grooming eliminates the overhead of a salon lease and offers convenience that clients will pay a premium for. The main barrier is the upfront cost: a fully equipped grooming van runs $50,000-$100,000 new, though used vans and van conversion kits are available for less. You will also need business insurance, a business license, and a solid client base.

What breeds are hardest to groom?

Breeds with high-maintenance coats — poodles, bichon frises, Old English sheepdogs, Afghan hounds, and shih tzus — require the most skill and time. Doodle mixes (goldendoodles, labradoodles, bernedoodles) are among the most challenging in practice because their coats vary widely and owners often wait too long between grooming appointments, resulting in severe matting.

Is pet grooming a good career if I love animals?

It can be, but be realistic about what it involves. You spend your day with animals, which is the appeal. But many of those animals are stressed, some are aggressive, and you are doing tasks (nail trimming, ear cleaning, de-matting) that animals often dislike. The creative and aesthetic aspects of the work are genuinely rewarding, and the entrepreneurial potential is real. If you enjoy hands-on skilled work, can handle the physical demands, and are interested in building a business, grooming can be a fulfilling career.

Compare pet grooming programs near you. Program availability, tuition, schedules, and requirements vary by school and state. Contact programs directly to confirm details.

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