From urban salons to suburban pet care centers, California employers are hiring dog groomers, bathers, and other grooming professionals in 38 communities. There are 47 positions open statewide. The listings on this page and the city-level pages below help you zero in on the jobs closest to where you live. Start with San Diego for the highest concentration of local openings.

Grooming Opportunities by Location in California

Start your local job search with the California cities that match your location. The most active hiring markets include San Diego (4 jobs), Sherman Oaks (2 jobs), Orcutt (2 jobs), Irvine (2 jobs), Folsom (2 jobs). Each city's near-me page includes nearby city links, so you can easily expand your search radius if your preferred area has limited openings.

How Proximity Boosts Your Grooming Career

Working locally in California also opens the door to hybrid career strategies. Many groomers combine salon employment with side gigs: mobile grooming on weekends, house-call appointments for elderly clients, or freelance work during off hours. This is only practical when your primary job is close to home, leaving you with the time and energy for additional income streams.

Companies Hiring Groomers Statewide in California

From national chains to local independents, California's grooming employers are competing for talent. Current leaders in hiring volume include Barkbus (11 jobs), PetSmart (7 jobs), SHAGGY2SWAGGYPETS LLC (3 jobs), Best Friends Pet Care (2 jobs), Trimnasium (2 jobs). The variety means you can prioritize what matters most — corporate benefits and career tracks, or the autonomy and earning potential of smaller operations.

California Grooming Job Categories

Local grooming opportunities in California cover these categories: dog groomers (30), dog bathers (14), pet stylists (2), grooming managers (1). Each role serves a specific function in the salon ecosystem. Understanding this hierarchy helps you target the right entry point — and plan your path to higher-paying positions down the road.

Salary Expectations for California Groomers

What can you earn grooming near you in California? Listed salaries range from $4,800 to $130,000, with a statewide average of $46,204. Remember: these figures do not include tips, which are a major part of groomer income. Specialists in premium services and groomers with strong client retention consistently out-earn the averages.

Getting Started as a Groomer in California

Getting hired as a groomer in California starts with understanding the career ladder: bather, groomer, senior groomer or pet stylist, then manager or salon leader. Each step brings higher pay and more autonomy. Apply to positions in your nearest city, emphasize any animal care experience, and be ready to work physically. The grooming industry rewards those who show up consistently and invest in their craft.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog grooming jobs are available in California?

California currently has 47 open dog grooming positions across 38 cities. New jobs are added daily from franchises, independent salons, and mobile grooming companies.

What do dog groomers earn in California?

Dog groomer salaries in California range from $4,800 to $130,000 per year based on current listings, with an average of $46,204. Actual earnings are often higher when tips and commission are included.

Do I need a license to be a dog groomer in California?

California does not require a specific state license to work as a dog groomer. However, you may need a general business license to operate a grooming salon. Professional certifications from organizations like NDGAA or IPG are voluntary but can boost your credentials and earning potential.

How do I become a dog groomer in California?

Most dog groomers in California start as bathers at a local salon, learning on the job before advancing to grooming. No formal education is required. Employer-provided training programs, grooming schools, and professional certifications (NDGAA, IPG) can accelerate your career. The typical path from bather to independent groomer takes 6-12 months.