How Much Do Dog Groomers Make? (2026 Salary Overview)
Becoming a groomer is the ultimate dream job if you’re a dog lover. Not only do you spend time with adorable pups all day, but you also get to make money doing it! So, how much do dog groomers make? Well, this year, the average salary for a professional dog groomer is estimated to be about $39,601 annually.
However, it can vary depending on the location and experience of the dog groomer. In this article, we'll examine the salaries and other factors that influence how much dog groomers make. Read on to find out more!
Average Salary for Dog Groomers
As of October 2026, salaries for dog groomers are reportedly around $39,601 yearly per salary.com data.1 The lowest 10% take home less than $25,846 annually, whereas the top 10% bank more than $58,323.
It is prudent to keep in mind that these figures rely on national trends and might fluctuate depending on various elements, such as location, experience, type of grooming services provided, and certifications.
Which Factors Affect How Much Dog Groomers Make?
Experience
An experienced groomer is more likely to make more money than someone who is just getting started. They can offer additional services like pet styling or specialized treatments for animals with skin conditions. They're also better at marketing their services and have more clients willing to pay top dollar for quality grooming.
Type of Grooming Services Offered
The type of services a groomer offers can also influence their salary. Those specializing in luxury pet styling, such as creative styling or specialized treatments, can charge more than those offering basic grooming services, such as brushing and bathing.
Certification
If you are a dedicated dog groomer, obtaining certifications can lead to higher income opportunities. For example, the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) certification is well-regarded in the grooming industry and may help you charge more for your services.
Location
Last but not least, the location is an essential factor to consider when understanding how much dog groomers make. A groomer who works in a big city may have higher costs (such as rent, supplies, and transportation) than those working in smaller towns and, therefore, will likely have a higher salary to cover these expenses.
As you can see, various factors can affect how much dog groomers make. Remember that the salary you receive may not be the same as the average national salary, so do your research and ensure you are getting a fair wage for your work.
Where Do Dog Groomers Make the Most Money?
In 2026, the highest salaries for dog groomers are reportedly in Washington, the District of Columbia, and New York. This information is based on data from ZipRecruiter, which suggests that groomers in Washington take home approximately $44,667 per year.
How to Earn More as a Dog Groomer
No matter where you end up working, there are ways that you can increase your earning potential. For example:
Network with Groomers
One way is to reach out to other groomers in your area and network with them. This can help you stay up to date on trends, learn new techniques, and make more money by taking on additional clients.
Offer Specialized Services
You may also want to consider offering specialized services, such as pet styling or specialized treatments for animals with skin conditions. These services are more expensive and can help increase your overall income.
Advertise
Consider advertising your grooming services. This could include creating an online portfolio or setting up a website for potential clients to view your services. You may also want to investigate social media marketing strategies or other forms of advertising.
By taking into account all of the factors mentioned above, you can increase your chances of getting a higher salary as a dog groomer in 2026—and beyond. With dedication and hard work, there’s no limit to how much you can make!
Conclusion
How much do dog groomers make in 2026? It all depends on various factors, such as location, experience, certification, and the type of services offered. In general, certified groomers who offer specialized services tend to earn higher salaries than those who offer basic grooming services.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and explore different ways of advertising and networking to increase your earning potential. With dedication and hard work, you can make a great living as a dog groomer!
See also:
Sources
Featured Image By: Tima Miroshnichenko, Pexels
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Nicole has loved animals of all sizes her whole life so it's no wonder she has dedicated her career to helping them through what she loves best: learning, writing, and sharing knowledge with others. She’s the proud mom of two dogs, a cat, and a human. With a degree in Education and 15+ years of writing experience, Nicole wants to help pet parents and pets around the planet to live happy, safe, and healthy lives.
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