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Entry Level Dog Grooming Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Dog Grooming information

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How much do entry level dog grooming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level dog grooming in the United States is $22.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Dog Groomer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Dog Groomer, you need basic animal handling skills, knowledge of dog breeds and coat types, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, brushes, and shears, as well as on-the-job training or certification courses, is typically required. Patience, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help build trust with both pets and their owners. These abilities ensure the safety, comfort, and satisfaction of clients while supporting a positive work environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Dog Grooming vs Pet Bather?

AspectEntry Level Dog GroomingPet Bather
Required CredentialsBasic grooming certification or trainingNone or minimal
Work EnvironmentGrooming salons, pet storesGrooming salons, kennels
Job ResponsibilitiesGrooming, trimming, bathing dogsBathing, brushing, preparing pets
Industry UsageCommonly searched for grooming careersOften confused but less specialized

Entry Level Dog Grooming involves performing grooming services like trimming and styling, often requiring certification. Pet Bather roles focus on bathing and basic pet care without extensive grooming skills. While both roles work in pet care environments, grooming positions typically demand more training and offer advanced responsibilities. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right entry point into the pet grooming industry.

What is entry level dog grooming?

Entry level dog grooming refers to the basic care and cleaning services provided to dogs, typically performed by individuals who are just starting out in the grooming industry. This includes tasks such as bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and sometimes basic hair trimming under supervision. Entry level groomers usually work under experienced professionals to gain hands-on experience and learn advanced grooming techniques. These positions are ideal for those who love animals and want to build a career in pet care. Training is often provided on the job, and certification may be encouraged or required depending on the employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level dog groomers, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level dog groomers often encounter challenges like handling nervous or uncooperative pets, mastering grooming techniques, and building confidence with specialized tools. Patience and clear communication with both pets and their owners are crucial for creating a calm environment. Many beginners benefit from shadowing experienced groomers, participating in workshops, and seeking feedback to continually improve their skills. Over time, gaining hands-on experience helps new groomers become more comfortable with various dog breeds and coat types.
More about Entry Level Dog Grooming jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Dog Grooming jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Dog Grooming job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Dog Grooming jobs? The most popular types of Dog Grooming jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Dog Grooming jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Dog Grooming jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Dog Grooming jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Dog Grooming jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Dog Grooming job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,659 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Pet Hotel - Professional Groomer - San Diego

Pet Hotel - Professional Groomer - San Diego

Wag Hotels, Inc.

San Diego, CA • On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Wag Hotels rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 38 rated pet care providers


Job description

Job description
  • An entire hotel of dogs ready to be groomed! Better opportunity to build clientele!
  • Earning potential of $50,000-$70,000 per year!
  • 60% production bonus on grooming services & 30% production bonus on paid bathing services & tips!
  • Full benefits for FT employees with generous employer contribution.
  • Vacation and 401k!
  • Bring your dog to work!
  • Discounted daycare and grooming for your own pets!
  • Stay active! This isn't a desk job!
  • Inclusive and supportive employer!

Do you enjoy spending time with dogs and cats as much as humans (if not more)? Wag Hotels is the place to be if you are a pet lover looking for an entry-level position to help further your career in the animal industry! Here you will get to care for all the animals in our facility: the cuddly mastiffs, the spunky chihuahuas, playful kittens, and every pet in between.
Everyone who works with us gets to enjoy the pleasure of bringing in their pets to play for free while they're working - no more guilty looks when you leave for the day. Let your furry friend take advantage of our state-of-the-art facility, play in all-day play plus, make new friends, and have your baby going home tired, happy, and feeling loved. If you love spoiling your pets, you'll love taking advantage of our employee discount on toys, treats, leashes, and so much more!
Our mission is to provide the highest level of fun, safety, and comfort to our four-legged guests and world-class service and convenience to their pet parents! If you would be a great addition to our growing team, apply with us today.
Whether you are checking in guests at the front desk, supervising playtime, or booking reservations in our corporate office, you'll feel rewarded knowing that you're making Wag Hotels the #1 destination for pet parents looking for a home-away-from-home for their beloved furry family members.
We are urgently seeking hard-working, self-motivated, and passionate dog lovers to join our professional behind-the-scenes squad!! Our educationally based salon offers everything from nail trims and baths to full-service hair cutting! We also offer luxury spa services such as Lemon & Sea Salt Baths, Fur Masks, Coconut Oil Silk Treatment, and Temporary Pet Tattoos! As a Wag Groomer, you will be responsible for completing bathing services offered by Wag Hotels, which include baths, brush-outs, de-matting, drying, teeth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and anal gland expression. In addition, you will also be responsible for cutting and styling the fur. Lastly, you will also be responsible for keeping the bathing salon clean and organized.
Our groomers are encouraged to explore new concepts and trends in the industry. We work as a team to create a fun learning environment requiring a positive attitude and open communication. Customer care and satisfaction is the primary objective of our groomers, so strong communication skills are required.
We need individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are comfortable with will breeds, sizes, and coat conditions. Groomers in our company play a key role on our team and represent the front line of our business. An ideal candidate would be a genuine dog lover, pay excellent attention to detail, view teamwork and reliability as an important part of job success, and value career growth.
Each Groomer is eligible for a production bonus of 60% of the grooming gross revenue minus the total earned hourly pay for the pay period. You will never be paid less than an hourly wage for all hours worked.
All complete grooms and add-ons to those grooming services are included in the 60% production bonus calculation.
You will receive a 30% production bonus for the gross revenue of all paid bathing services. This will be included in your total production bonus for the pay period.
Full Time Benefits:
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance through the company's plan.
  • Ability to participate in Company's 401k plan after 90 days of service.
  • Accrue paid vacation time.
  • 40 hours of sick time annually.
  • Free daycare for your pet after your first 30 days.
  • Two weeks of free boarding for your dog or cat (during non-peak periods).
  • 30% discount on all retail.
  • 20% discount on all services (grooming, bathing, add-on activities).
  • The company will provide a grooming tool kit if you do not have tools or would prefer to use the company's.
  • $50/month grooming tool reimbursement (tool sharpening, replacement, etc.)

Qualifications:
  • 1 year Professional Grooming experience is REQUIRED.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Strong communication, customer service, and teamwork skills.
  • Mandatory availability on Weekends and Holidays.
  • Ability to handle all breeds and sizes of dogs.
  • Work in a standing position for long periods of time.
  • Reach, bend, stoop, and frequently lift 50 lbs.
  • Must be available to work mornings and afternoons.

Wag Hotels provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Tools provided
  • Vision insurance

Compensation package:
  • Bonus opportunities
  • Tips

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday
  • Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:
  • professional grooming: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Vision insurance

Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Every weekend
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:
  • professional grooming: 1 year (Required)

Shift availability:
  • Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time

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