Groomers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more

Groomers specialize in maintaining a pets appearance. Groomers typically work in kennels, veterinary clinics, or pet supply stores, where they groom mostly dogs, but some cats, too. In addition to cutting, trimming, and styling pets fur, groomers clip nails, clean ears, and bathe pets. Groomers also schedule appointments, sell products to pet owners, and identify problems that may require veterinary attention.

Groomers may operate their own business, work in a grooming salon, or run their own mobile grooming service that travels to clients homes. Demand for mobile grooming services is growing because these services are convenient for pet owners, allowing the pet to stay in its familiar environment.

Education Required
Most animal care and service worker positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training Required
Most animal care and service workers learn through on-the-job training.
Job Outlook
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 20% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.)
Licenses/Certifications
Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills. For example, several professional associations and hundreds of private vocational and state-approved trade schools offer certification for dog trainers.
Median pay: How much do Animal Care and Service Workers make?
$22,230 Annual Salary
$10.69 per hour

Careers for Animal Care and Service Workers

  • Animal care technicians
  • Animal caregivers
  • Animal caretakers
  • Animal daycare providers
  • Animal groomers
  • Animal shelter workers
  • Animal sitters
  • Animal trainers
  • Aquarists
  • Aquarium tank attendants
  • Cat and dog bathers
  • Dog bathers
  • Dog beauticians
  • Dog groomers
  • Dog handlers
  • Dog sitters
  • Dog trainers
  • Dolphin trainers
  • Grooms
  • Guide dog instructors
  • Guide dog mobility instructors
  • Guide dog trainers
  • Horse breakers
  • Horse exercisers
  • Horse trainers
  • Keepers
  • Kennel aides
  • Kennel attendants
  • Kennel helpers
  • Kennel workers
  • Licensed guide dog instructors
  • Lion trainers
  • Marine mammal trainers
  • Nonfarm animal caretakers
  • Pet feeders
  • Pet groomers
  • Pet sitters
  • Pet stylists
  • Seeing eye dog trainers
  • Zookeepers

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