Dog Bather Salary
Based on 100 live job postings on GroomerJob.com. Average salary range: $33,677 – $37,471 per year.
Avg Min
$33,677
Avg Max
$37,471
Range Low
$19,472
Range High
$91,000
Browse 100 active Dog Bather jobs
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Dog Bather Salary Overview
Dog Bathers (also called grooming assistants or pet bathers) are the entry point into the grooming industry. Pay runs $33,677 to $37,471 — typically hourly rather than salaried, with tips adding meaningful upside at high-volume salons. Illinois currently leads the country in Dog Bather pay, averaging $55,286 – $55,286 across 3 active listings. Most full-service groomers started as bathers: it's how the industry trains scissor skills and animal handling before moving into haircut work. PetSmart has the most open Dog Bather positions right now with 23 active listings across 12 states.
Top-Paying States for Dog Bathers
| # | State | Jobs | Avg Min | Avg Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Illinois | 3 | $55,286 | $55,286 | View jobs → |
| 2 | California | 9 | $40,665 | $43,052 | View jobs → |
| 3 | Arizona | 4 | $40,389 | $40,389 | View jobs → |
| 4 | New Jersey | 3 | $37,068 | $40,188 | View jobs → |
| 5 | Colorado | 5 | $35,766 | $37,014 | View jobs → |
| 6 | Missouri | 3 | $33,820 | $38,900 | View jobs → |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 4 | $33,644 | $39,184 | View jobs → |
| 8 | Texas | 8 | $32,337 | $33,897 | View jobs → |
| 9 | North Carolina | 8 | $32,276 | $37,556 | View jobs → |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 3 | $31,000 | $40,000 | View jobs → |
Top Employers Hiring Dog Bathers
| # | Employer | Open Jobs | States | Avg Min | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PetSmart | 23 | 12 | $31,000 | Open jobs → |
| 2 | Sparkle Grooming Co. | 9 | 7 | $36,731 | Open jobs → |
| 3 | Barkbus | 3 | 2 | $52,941 | Open jobs → |
| 4 | PetSuites | 3 | 3 | $30,608 | Open jobs → |
| 5 | Scenthound Corporate Scenters | 2 | 1 | $30,160 | Open jobs → |
| 6 | Bark & Mane of Western Montana | 2 | 1 | $45,614 | Open jobs → |
| 7 | Scenthound Carmel, IN | 2 | 1 | $23,606 | Open jobs → |
| 8 | Scenthound Birmingham, MI | 2 | 1 | $28,955 | Open jobs → |
| 9 | JM Pet Resort & Veterinary Clinic | 2 | 1 | $36,287 | Open jobs → |
| 10 | Doggie District | 2 | 1 | $28,313 | Open jobs → |
By Employment Type
full time
27 jobs
$35,404 – $40,132
part time
22 jobs
$31,201 – $32,539
Hourly vs. Salaried
Yearly
100 jobs
$33,677 – $37,471
What Dog Bathers Do
- Bathe dogs using breed- and coat-appropriate shampoo and conditioner.
- Brush out mats and tangles, then use high-velocity dryers to finish coats before the groomer sees the dog.
- Perform basic nail trims, ear cleaning, and sanitary trims.
- Move dogs safely between kennels, tubs, and grooming tables.
- Assist groomers during cuts: holding, calming, and handling as needed.
- Keep the bathing area, tubs, and towels clean and sanitized between dogs.
How to Increase Your Dog Bather Salary
Get certified
Certifications from the NDGAA (Certified Master Groomer), IPG (International Professional Groomers), or breed-specific programs add credibility and typically shift pay up 10–20%. Some employers pay a certification bonus on top of base salary.
Specialize in difficult breeds
Double-coated breeds, hand-stripping, Asian fusion styling, and Doodle coat work all command premium pricing. Groomers with a verifiable portfolio in any of these specialties charge more per groom and earn more in tips.
Move to a higher-paying market
State-level pay varies dramatically. Currently Illinois tops the list at $55,286 avg minimum. Urban markets with high pet spend typically pay 15–30% more than rural ones.
Build a booked-out client book
Groomers who run at 90%+ capacity with repeat customers earn more than equally-skilled groomers with gaps. Many salons pay on commission (40–60% of groom price), so capacity utilization compounds directly into take-home pay.
Top Cities Hiring Dog Bathers
Charlotte, NC
2 jobs
$30,837 avg
Aurora, OH
2 jobs
$28,168 avg
Jupiter Inlet, FL
2 jobs
$30,160 avg
Cottleville, MO
2 jobs
$35,230 avg
Birmingham, MI
2 jobs
$28,955 avg
Brockton, MA
2 jobs
$36,287 avg
Boulder, CO
2 jobs
$38,371 avg
Missoula, MT
2 jobs
$45,614 avg
Lake Zurich, IL
2 jobs
$67,328 avg
Irvine, CA
2 jobs
$50,454 avg
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