Mobile grooming is the fastest-growing segment of the dog grooming industry — and in 2026, a handful of national mobile grooming companies are actively hiring experienced groomers into prebuilt van operations. For groomers who want the pay and autonomy of mobile work without the $30,000-$150,000 startup cost of buying your own van, these "employed mobile groomer" roles are a compelling middle path.
This guide compares the three biggest mobile grooming employers hiring right now on GroomerJob.com: Barkbus, Woofie's, and Zoomin Groomin. Pay, training, benefits, and which one fits which career stage.
Why Employed Mobile Grooming Is Different from Solo Mobile
Traditional mobile grooming = you buy a $40,000-$120,000 van, get your own insurance, find your own clients, and run a business. Employed mobile grooming = a company provides the van, the client book, the insurance, and the marketing. You just show up and groom.
That tradeoff means:
- Lower ceiling than true independent mobile (you're an employee, not an owner)
- Much lower floor — no six-figure capital requirement
- Steady paycheck and benefits like a salon job
- Mobile work freedom (you're driving, not stuck in a salon)
- Career bridge: great test run before going fully independent later
For a deeper look at solo vs employed mobile, see our mobile vs salon comparison.
1. Barkbus — The Fast-Growing Urban Mobile
Current openings: 40+ active positions on GroomerJob.com — see all Barkbus openings.
Markets: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, New York, Dallas, Denver, expanding into new metros regularly.
Pay: $25-$35/hour base or 40-50% commission, typically netting $60,000-$90,000/year for experienced stylists.
What they provide:
- Fully-equipped mobile grooming van
- All insurance, supplies, and consumables
- Marketing and client acquisition
- Scheduling software and dispatch
- W-2 employment with benefits (not 1099 contractor)
Who it's for: Experienced groomers (2+ years) in major metros who want mobile work without buying a van. Barkbus is the most "professional corporate" feeling of the three — structured processes, clear career ladder, growing rapidly.
2. Woofie's — The Franchise Pet Service Network
Current openings: 15-20 active positions — browse Woofie's openings.
Markets: East Coast heavy (Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Florida), with franchise locations expanding across the country.
Pay: Commission-based, usually 40-50%. Actual earnings vary by franchise location and client density.
Structure: Woofie's is a franchise network — each location is independently owned but operates under the Woofie's brand. Services often include grooming, pet sitting, and dog walking.
What they provide:
- Branded van (provided by the franchisee who hires you)
- Insurance and supplies at most locations
- Brand recognition and client base
- Variable benefits by location
Who it's for: Groomers comfortable with franchise variability who want mobile work and don't mind slightly inconsistent benefits across locations. Best for East Coast markets with established Woofie's presence.
3. Zoomin Groomin — The Owner-Operator Heavy Network
Current openings: 15+ active listings — see Zoomin Groomin openings.
Markets: Colorado heavy, with additional locations in the Midwest and West.
Note on structure: Many Zoomin Groomin listings are for owner-operator franchise routes rather than traditional employment. This means you're buying into a franchise territory and running your own mobile route under their brand — closer to business ownership than employment.
Pay: Route owners report gross revenue of $100,000-$200,000 but need to cover van payments, franchise fees, and all operating costs. Net income varies widely.
Who it's for: Experienced groomers with capital ($20,000-$50,000) who want to own a route rather than work for a company. Not the right fit if you want a pure W-2 employed mobile role.
Comparison Table
- Barkbus: Best pure W-2 mobile employment, urban focus, corporate feel, $60-90k annual
- Woofie's: East Coast franchise network, multi-service, mobile W-2 role, variable by location
- Zoomin Groomin: Mostly owner-operator franchise, not traditional employment, best for entrepreneurs
Pros of Employed Mobile Grooming
- Mobile pay rates without the startup cost of a van
- Steady paycheck, no client-acquisition stress
- Benefits (health, 401k, PTO) with the W-2 employers
- Geographic flexibility — you drive between clients, not to a fixed salon
- Lower burnout than high-volume salon work
- Great test run before deciding to go fully independent
Cons of Employed Mobile Grooming
- Lower earning ceiling than solo mobile operators
- You don't own the clients — they belong to the company
- Limited geographic coverage — only available in certain metros
- Driving all day is physically different (and sometimes harder) than salon work
- Weather impacts your schedule more than a salon
Who Should Apply to Employed Mobile Grooming?
- Experienced groomers (2+ years) burned out on salon volume
- Stylists who love the idea of mobile but can't afford a $40,000+ van
- Groomers in urban markets with strong mobile demand (LA, SF, NYC, Dallas, Denver)
- Anyone planning to go independent eventually and wanting to test mobile first
- Groomers who value autonomy more than retail upsell environments
How to Apply
- Check coverage. Mobile grooming jobs only exist where these companies operate. Browse open mobile grooming positions to see what's in your market.
- Emphasize solo work experience. Mobile employers want groomers who can work alone, manage their day, and handle clients directly. Lead your resume with those skills (see our resume guide).
- Know your breed speeds. Mobile grooming doesn't have bather support — you bathe, dry, and groom each dog yourself. Employers will ask about your end-to-end dog pace.
- Drive clean and confident. Many mobile companies require a clean driving record. Commercial license isn't needed for most van sizes but your MVR will be pulled.
- Prep for the interview. See groomer interview prep — expect extra questions about self-management and client interaction.
FAQs
What's the difference between employed mobile and solo mobile grooming?
Employed mobile: you work for a company like Barkbus or Woofie's. They provide the van, insurance, clients, and marketing. You're a W-2 employee with benefits and a steady paycheck. Solo mobile: you own the van, the insurance, the business. Higher ceiling, much higher risk and startup cost.
Do mobile grooming companies provide the van?
Yes — employed mobile roles at Barkbus and most Woofie's franchises include a fully-equipped van, insurance, supplies, and scheduling. You drive the company van, not your own.
How much do employed mobile groomers make?
Typical range is $55,000-$90,000/year depending on market, experience, and commission structure. Top earners in dense urban markets (LA, NYC, SF) can exceed $100,000. Solo mobile operators can earn more, but at much higher operating risk.
Is Barkbus hiring in my city?
Currently operating in LA, SF, San Diego, Orange County, NYC, Dallas, Denver, and expanding regularly. Check current Barkbus openings for an updated list.
Should I work for a mobile company or start my own mobile business?
Work for one first. Learn the operational rhythm of mobile grooming on someone else's dime. Build your confidence and pace. Then, if you still want to go solo, you'll start with clear eyes and saved capital. Most groomers who jump straight into solo mobile without experience burn out or fold in year one. See our mobile vs salon comparison for the full picture.
Start Your Mobile Grooming Career
Browse current mobile openings: Barkbus, Woofie's, Zoomin Groomin. Or compare with franchise salon options: Petco, PetSmart, PetSuites, and Tractor Supply. See our salary calculator for a market-specific earnings estimate.
