🐩 How much does a pet groomer make?
In the U.S., groomers are counted with other animal caretakers: lower-paid workers make $27,250–$29,820, the median is $35,360, and the top 10% start at $50,060 a year.
Pay varies by role and experience, and the official figures group groomers with broader job categories; Japan’s examples also use different measures.
US Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-paid workers (10th–25th percentile) | $27,250–$29,820 | BLS Animal Caretakers wages |
| Typical worker (median) | $35,360 | BLS median |
| Top 10% threshold (or more) | $50,060 | BLS 90th percentile |
Per month and per day
| Who | Per month | Per day (÷365) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower-paid workers (10th–25th percentile) | $2,271–$2,485 | $75–$82 |
| Typical worker (median) | $2,947 | $97 |
| Top 10% threshold (or more) | $4,172 | $137 |
Where does the money come from?
How do you become a pet groomer?
In the United States, groomers typically have a high school diploma or equivalent and learn on the job with an experienced groomer. Grooming schools are another option, but they are not required.
- Finish high school or earn an equivalent diploma.
- Learn safe animal handling in school or an entry-level job.
- Practice grooming under an experienced groomer.
- Get a groomer job at a salon or another pet-care workplace.
Qualifications and exams
Illinois lists dog-groomer registration and certification as optional. Self-employed animal-care workers may need a business license; check local rules.
A day as a pet groomer
A groomer checks appointments and asks owners what style they want. They bathe and dry pets, trim fur and nails, clean ears, and tell owners if they notice a problem that may need a vet's attention.
Common questions
How much does a pet groomer make a year?
BLS counts groomers with animal caretakers. Typical pay for that group was $35,360 a year in May 2025. Source
Do tips and commissions count toward a groomer's pay?
Yes. The BLS wage survey counts commissions and tips as wages when workers receive them, though each groomer's pay plan may differ. Source
Are earnings from owning a grooming salon in BLS wage estimates?
No. BLS wage estimates cover employees, not self-employed workers. Groomers may run their own salon or mobile service, but those owners' earnings are outside that employee wage measure. Source
Does a groomer's pay change by location?
Yes. BLS explains that wages can vary by location and publishes wage information for states and metro areas. Source
Can groomers earn extra by selling pet products?
Some groomers sell products to pet owners as well. Whether that brings extra pay depends on the shop's pay plan. Source
Do groomers sometimes work evenings or weekends?
Sometimes. Schedules may include evenings, weekends, or holidays, depending on the workplace and appointments. Source
This section summarizes public sources. We only show numbers that have a source.
Close jobs in official statistics
In Japan
Japan Most people, typical, the top
| Who | Yearly earnings | Based on |
|---|---|---|
| Job-ad monthly pay, annualized | $16,800–$17,920 | MHLW Jobtag job ads ×12 |
| Jobtag matched-category average (not groomers only) | $26,847 | MHLW Jobtag 2025 matched-category average |
| AEON Pet 6th-year store-manager pay model | $36,133 | Company pay model, bonus included |
Related questions
Jobs in the same group
Data table and sources
- data.bls.gov/oesprofile?major_group=390000&measure=01&occupation=392021&year=202
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/39-2021.00
- shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/Occupation/Detail/227
- shigoto.mhlw.go.jp/User/topics/detail/584
- recruit.aeonpet.com/trimmer/jobs/trimmer/
- www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/methods_25.pdf
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/39-2021.00
- apps.illinoisworknet.com/cis/Clusters/OccupationDetails/100238?parentId=110800&s