How to Become A Pet Groomer (Career Guide)
Americans keep investing more in their pets every year. Pet groomers turn that devotion into a hands-on career working with animals daily.
Pet groomers bathe, trim, and style dogs and cats, handle animals safely, and build loyal client relationships. The trade offers quick entry, strong demand growth, and a well-worn path from salon employment to a mobile or home-based grooming business.
Quick answers
At a glance
- Role: Bathe, brush, dry, and style pets.
- Typical training: see the pathways table below - most people start with a certificate program or on-the-job training.
- Median pay: $35,360 per year nationally (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
- Credential: No license required; voluntary association certifications available.
Q and A
- What does a pet groomer do? Bathe, brush, dry, and style pets, plus perform breed-standard and owner-requested cuts and related work.
- Is a license required? No state licenses pet groomers.
- How much does the job pay? The national median is $35,360 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); pay varies widely by state and experience.
- Where do they work? Grooming salons and pet superstores, Veterinary clinics and boarding facilities, Mobile grooming vans.
What Pet Groomers Do
Pet Groomers handle the day-to-day work of the trade. Pet groomers bathe, trim, and style dogs and cats, handle animals safely, and build loyal client relationships.
Typical Responsibilities
- Bathe, brush, dry, and style pets
- Perform breed-standard and owner-requested cuts
- Trim nails and clean ears safely
- Recognize skin, coat, and parasite issues and alert owners
- Manage scheduling and client relationships
Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Calm, confident animal handling
- Scissor and clipper technique
- Knowledge of breed standards and coat types
- Physical stamina for on-your-feet work
- Customer service and client retention
Work Settings
Pet Groomers may work in:
- Grooming salons and pet superstores
- Veterinary clinics and boarding facilities
- Mobile grooming vans
- Independent home-based studios
How to Become A Pet Groomer (5 Steps)
1. Meet the basic requirements
There is no formal education requirement. Comfort and experience around animals matter most; a high school diploma or GED helps.
2. Learn grooming skills
Pet grooming programs teach bathing, clipping, styling, and safe handling. Many groomers alternatively start as bathers in a salon and learn from experienced groomers.
3. Build speed and a portfolio
Entry-level salon work builds the speed and consistency that grooming pay depends on. Photos of finished grooms build your client base.
4. Consider voluntary credentials
Professional grooming associations offer voluntary certification programs that test breed cuts and handling skill. None are required to work.
5. Advance your career
Experienced groomers may move into senior groomer roles, salon management, or their own mobile or home-based grooming business.
Education, Training, and Credentials
No state licenses pet groomers. Voluntary certifications from professional grooming associations can demonstrate skill, and salon experience plus a strong portfolio carry the most weight with clients and employers.
| Pathway | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Bather-to-groomer path in a salon | 6-18 months | Paid learning under experienced groomers |
| Pet grooming program | 2-6 months | Structured training in cuts, handling, and safety |
| Voluntary association certification | Exam-based | Credential demonstrating breed-cut skill |
| Mobile / independent business | With experience | Higher earnings potential and schedule control |
Career Growth and Advancement
Experienced pet groomers can expand into:
- Senior / Master Groomer - Command higher rates for advanced cuts
- Salon Manager - Run scheduling, staff, and operations
- Mobile Groomer - Bring the salon to clients
- Grooming Business Owner - Build your own shop and team
Cost and Duration of Training
- Training Cost: varies by provider and format - compare programs and ask for a full cost breakdown before enrolling
- Duration: see the pathways table above - entry routes range from direct on-the-job training to certificate programs
Program availability, admissions requirements, costs, and outcomes vary by school - contact schools directly to confirm details.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Work with animals every day
- Fast entry - months, not years
- Strong projected demand growth and self-employment potential
Cons
- Physically demanding, on-your-feet work
- Bites and scratches are an occupational reality
- Income builds with speed and clientele
Take the First Step
Training is the fastest way to find out whether this career fits you. Compare programs near you and ask each school the questions that matter: schedule, hands-on time, and job placement support (outcomes vary by school and student).
Compare Training Programs
Quick Facts: Pet Groomer Salary, Education, and Outlook
Note: BLS reports wages for this program under the broader occupation “Animal Caretakers” (SOC 39-2021).
Wage and Employment Charts
| Percentile | Annual wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $27,250 |
| 25th | $29,820 |
| 50th (median) | $35,360 |
| 75th | $40,050 |
| 90th | $50,060 |
| Year | Employment |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 392,100 |
| 2034 projected | 439,600 |
| Percent change | +12.1% |
Pet Groomer Salary and Requirements by State
Select your state for local wage data, training options, and requirements:
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Workplace Safety Snapshot
BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 245.4 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in animal caretakers (about 2.45 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does pet groomer training take?
Pet grooming programs typically run 2 to 6 months. Many groomers instead start as bathers in a salon and learn the trade over 6 to 18 months of paid work. There is no license requirement in any state.
How much do pet groomers make?
The median annual salary for pet groomers is $35,360 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). Entry-level workers earn around $27,250, while those in the 90th percentile earn over $50,060. Pay varies by state, experience, and specialization.
What is the job outlook for pet groomers?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 12.1% employment growth for this occupation from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than average. Approximately 74,600 job openings are expected each year due to growth, retirements, and workers leaving the field.
Do you need a college degree to work as a pet groomer?
No. There is no degree or license requirement for pet grooming. Skills come from grooming programs or salon experience, and voluntary certifications can help demonstrate ability.
Which states pay pet groomers the most?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for pet groomers are District of Columbia, Washington, and Hawaii. Median annual wages: District of Columbia ($44,210); Washington ($40,570); Hawaii ($40,130).
Which states employ the most pet groomers?
BLS reports the largest concentrations of pet groomers in California, Texas, and Florida. Employment levels: California (25,710 workers); Texas (20,450 workers); Florida (17,210 workers) (May 2025).
How much do experienced pet groomers earn?
The top 10% of pet groomers earn more than $50,060 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior roles, specialty skills, or their own business.
What is entry-level pay for pet groomers?
BLS reports the bottom 10% of pet groomers earn under $27,250 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise with experience and specialization.
How many pet groomers work in the United States?
BLS reports approximately 266,910 pet groomers employed nationwide as of May 2025.
How many job openings are expected for pet groomers each year?
BLS projects approximately 74,600 openings per year for pet groomers from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out.
Is pet groomer a growing career?
BLS projects 12.1% employment growth for pet groomers between 2024 and 2034, classified as much faster than average. Employment is projected to go from approximately 392,100 jobs in 2024 to 439,600 in 2034, with about 74,600 openings per year.
How much do pet groomers make per hour?
The median hourly wage for pet groomers is $17.00, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $13.10 (bottom 10%) to $24.07 (top 10%).
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)
Pet Grooming Salary by State
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |