Grooming Jobs Near Me in California

From urban salons to suburban pet care centers, California employers are hiring dog groomers, bathers, and other grooming professionals in 57 communities. There are 101 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles (11 jobs), San Diego (6 jobs), Folsom (5 jobs), Napa (4 jobs), Hanford (4 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 Petco Animal Supplies Stores (22 jobs), Barkbus (13 jobs), PETCO Animal Supplies Stores, Inc. (10 jobs), ITCHY POOCH LLC (4 jobs), PetSmart (3 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 (73), grooming managers (18), dog bathers (9), pet stylists (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 $16,640 to $130,000, with a statewide average of $48,398. 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.