Every year the American Pet Products Association survey calculates the net spending on pets in the USA, which amounted to an astonishing 63.4 billion dollars in 2012. That’s an increase of 10 billion dollars from 2011. The net spending on pets represented a 5% increase from 2011 up from 58.6 billion dollars. Despite of all this money being spent, the median income for a dog groomer in the USA doesn’t even reach 16,000 dollars per year.
Dog groomer salary
The average dog groomer salary is $15.00 per hour, which equates to roughly $30,000 per year. However, this number can vary depending on the size of the business, experience level of the groomer and training programs that may be available to them.
Salary for dog groomer
Dog grooming is the canine equivalent of a trip to the day spa. Services vary from groomer to groomer, but typically include shampooing and nail trimming, as well as brushing and cutting fur. Professional dog groomers work in a variety of settings, where dog groomers’ salaries also vary. For many people, dog grooming is a way to earn supplementary income. Becoming a dog groomer requires a true love of animals and a lot of patience.
Job Description
Professional dog groomers help maintain a pet’s appearance. They give baths, trim and style fur, clip nails and clean ears. Some groomers provide more extensive services, such as flea baths, anal gland expression and fur de-matting. Dog groomers who own their own businesses also schedule appointments, recommend or sell products and maintain their grooming facilities. Groomers may provide service for cats as well as dogs.
Education Requirements
Dog groomers need little formal education to enter the field. At minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Most training is done by apprenticing with an experienced groomer. Many professional dog groomers do attend grooming school, however, and get certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America.
Salary Information
The median salary for dog groomers is $22,710 as of May 2016. That means that half earn more and half earn less. Dog groomers who work in salons or run their own businesses tend to make more money than those who work in retail settings. Depending on where they work, groomers get paid per hour or per animal. Certification can result in a higher salary.
Industry
Professional dog groomers work in grooming salons, veterinary offices, pet stores, doggie daycare facilities and kennels. Others have their own grooming businesses, sometimes running them from mobile grooming trucks that travel to homes and businesses. Dog groomers can also enter grooming competitions to show off their skills and gain national recognition.
Years of Experience
Dog groomers earn more money the more experience they have. That is because they increase their skills and efficiency performing their duties, leading to higher wages and commissions. They may also build up a loyal customer base that regularly uses their services. Dog groomers with several years of experience may move into management or decide to start their own business.
Job Growth Trend
The job market for animal care and service workers, including dog groomers, is expected to grow 22 percent in the next decade. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Since dogs are considered part of the family, people want to make sure their pets get the maintenance they need to look good and stay healthy. Mobile grooming services are also increasing in demand since they provide a lot of conveniences to pet owners.
