Texas leads every other state in open dog grooming positions on GroomerJob.com right now — 180+ active listings spread across San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Fort Worth, and dozens of smaller markets. If you're a groomer in Texas, or thinking about relocating there, this is the most comprehensive breakdown of what the market actually looks like in 2026.
How Big Is the Texas Grooming Market?
Texas has more active grooming job listings than any other state — roughly 22% more than Florida (#2) and 79% more than California (#3). The concentration reflects three things: strong population growth, high pet ownership rates, and a lot of franchise expansion. Petco, PetSmart, PetSuites, Tractor Supply, and several mobile grooming brands are hiring heavily across Texas markets.
Top Texas Cities for Grooming Jobs
Based on active job counts on our site:
- San Antonio: 9+ active positions across 5+ employers
- Dallas: 7+ active positions across 4+ employers
- Houston: Strong inventory across franchise and independent salons
- Austin: Growing fast with mobile and boutique concept salons
- Fort Worth: Mid-size market with strong Petco/PetSmart presence
- Plano / Frisco: Premium suburban market with high-end salons
- Arlington: Steady franchise demand
- El Paso: Less saturated, good opportunity for experienced groomers
Browse all Texas grooming jobs to see the current list. For specific cities, see San Antonio or Dallas.
Texas Grooming Pay by Experience Level
Based on live Texas listings, typical pay ranges:
Dog Bather
- Entry: $14-$16/hour (major metros)
- Entry: $13-$15/hour (smaller markets)
- Plus tips: 10-15% of groom fee
- Annual: $28,000-$36,000 with tips
Dog Groomer / Pet Stylist
- Staff: $18-$24/hour or 45-55% commission
- Senior: $22-$28/hour or 50-55% commission
- Annual: $45,000-$72,000 with tips
Grooming Manager / Salon Leader
- Salary: $52,000-$78,000
- Plus performance bonuses at franchise locations
Use our salary calculator for your specific city — pay in Dallas and Austin skews higher than El Paso or Waco.
Top Employers Hiring in Texas
- Petco — largest single employer with 30+ Texas openings
- PetSmart — 15-20 active Texas listings
- PetSuites — strong Texas footprint, boarding + grooming combos
- Tractor Supply — growing grooming program, rural and suburban markets
- Barkbus — mobile grooming expanding in DFW and Houston
- Local independents and smaller franchises across every metro
Why Texas Is a Strong Market for Groomers
- No state income tax. A groomer earning $55,000 in Texas keeps $3,000-$4,500 more per year than the same role in California or New York.
- Strong franchise density. If your Petco closes, there's a PetSuites five minutes away.
- Population growth. Texas has added roughly 4 million residents in the last decade — many bringing dogs with them.
- Relatively low cost of living outside Austin and near-in Dallas suburbs.
- Year-round grooming demand. Heat means frequent summer grooms; cooler winters don't kill winter volume the way they do in northern states.
What Texas Pay Looks Like vs. Other States
National groomer median is around $42,000. Texas median tracks slightly below that (~$40,000), but the lack of state income tax closes most of the gap. In dollar-for-dollar take-home, Texas stylists often out-earn peers in California and New York despite lower gross pay.
How to Apply for Texas Grooming Jobs
- Update your resume. See our groomer resume guide for what Texas hiring managers look for.
- Pick your role and market. Decide between franchise (Petco/PetSmart/PetSuites), independent salon, or mobile.
- Apply to 5-10 positions. Don't over-optimize on one. Texas hiring moves fast.
- Prep for the interview. Use our interview prep guides for your target role.
- Negotiate. See commission vs hourly pay — the structure matters as much as the rate.
Mobile Grooming in Texas
Texas has one of the fastest-growing mobile grooming markets in the country. Suburbs around Dallas, Houston, and Austin are prime territory. Mobile groomers in these markets report $75,000-$110,000+ annual take-home. See our mobile vs salon comparison if you're weighing the switch.
FAQs
How many dog grooming jobs are currently open in Texas?
180+ active listings as of this week across all major Texas metros. Updated live on our Texas jobs page.
Which Texas city pays groomers the most?
Austin and Dallas metros typically pay top-of-market for Texas — staff groomers at high-volume locations can exceed $60,000. San Antonio and Houston run slightly below. Smaller markets (Lubbock, El Paso, Corpus Christi) run 10-15% below metro pay but have lower cost of living.
Do Texas grooming jobs require certification?
No state license is required in Texas for individual groomers. Certifications like AKC S.A.F.E. or NDGAA help with hiring and pay but aren't mandatory. Franchise salons (Petco, PetSmart) typically use their own in-house certifications.
What's the best Texas market for a brand-new groomer?
San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston metros — largest volume of bather openings at Petco, PetSmart, and PetSuites. Easier to get hired as an entry-level bather and advance through the Academy in a big market.
Do Texas groomers make good money without a state income tax?
Yes — the no-income-tax advantage is real. A Texas groomer earning $55,000 takes home roughly $4,000 more per year than a California groomer earning the same gross. Over a 20-year career, that's an extra $80,000+ in your pocket.
Start Your Texas Grooming Career
Browse all Texas grooming jobs or filter by city: San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Austin. Prep your application with our resume guide and interview prep, then apply.
