Commission Split

Commission split is the most common pay structure in the dog grooming industry. Under this model, the groomer receives a percentage of the revenue generated by each grooming service they complete, and the salon owner keeps the remaining percentage to cover overhead, supplies, and profit. Industry standard commission rates typically range from 40% to 60% in the groomer's favor, with 50% being the most common split.

The commission structure varies based on several factors. Groomers with certifications, strong client followings, or specialized skills (like hand stripping or Asian fusion) often negotiate higher commission rates. Some salons offer tiered commission that increases with volume — for example, 50% on the first $5,000 in monthly revenue and 55% on everything above that. Others offer a base hourly rate plus a smaller commission as a hybrid model.

Understanding commission math is critical for groomers evaluating job opportunities. A 50% commission at a salon charging $80 per groom means $40 per dog to the groomer. If you groom 6 dogs per day, that is $240/day or roughly $62,000/year before taxes. However, commission groomers are often classified as independent contractors, which means they are responsible for their own taxes, health insurance, and retirement savings. Comparing a commission role to a salaried position requires factoring in these additional costs.