Pet Stylist Salary
Based on 88 live job postings on GroomerJob.com. Average salary range: $77,367 – $80,667 per year.
Avg Min
$77,367
Avg Max
$80,667
Range Low
$20,453
Range High
$174,558
Browse 88 active Pet Stylist jobs
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Pet Stylist Salary Overview
Pet Stylists are senior-level groomers specializing in breed-standard cuts, show grooming, and creative styling. Salaries run $77,367 to $80,667 — at the top of the grooming career ladder and well above entry bather/groomer roles. Michigan currently leads the country in Pet Stylist pay, averaging $104,353 – $117,353 across 5 active listings. Pet Stylist titles usually require 2+ years of grooming experience, certification from a major program (NDGAA, IPG), and a portfolio of breed-standard work. Pet Paradise has the most open Pet Stylist positions right now with 7 active listings across 3 states.
Top-Paying States for Pet Stylists
| # | State | Jobs | Avg Min | Avg Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Michigan | 5 | $104,353 | $117,353 | View jobs → |
| 2 | Virginia | 6 | $94,058 | $94,058 | View jobs → |
| 3 | Iowa | 3 | $90,921 | $90,921 | View jobs → |
| 4 | Colorado | 4 | $87,908 | $104,158 | View jobs → |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4 | $86,130 | $86,650 | View jobs → |
| 6 | California | 5 | $85,543 | $98,023 | View jobs → |
| 7 | New Jersey | 3 | $73,843 | $73,843 | View jobs → |
| 8 | Ohio | 7 | $73,485 | $73,485 | View jobs → |
| 9 | Florida | 14 | $72,413 | $72,413 | View jobs → |
| 10 | Texas | 12 | $71,734 | $71,734 | View jobs → |
Top Employers Hiring Pet Stylists
| # | Employer | Open Jobs | States | Avg Min | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pet Paradise | 7 | 3 | $52,719 | Open jobs → |
| 2 | Zoomin Groomin Northeast Cincinnati | 4 | 1 | $101,222 | Open jobs → |
| 3 | Zoomin Groomin Oakland MI | 4 | 1 | $104,402 | Open jobs → |
| 4 | Zoomin Groomin San Diego CA | 3 | 1 | $116,977 | Open jobs → |
| 5 | Zoomin Groomin North Dallas | 3 | 2 | $100,637 | Open jobs → |
| 6 | Zoomin Groomin Central Iowa | 3 | 1 | $90,921 | Open jobs → |
| 7 | Zoomin Groomin Centennial | 3 | 1 | $85,987 | Open jobs → |
| 8 | Zoomin Groomin Spokane Area | 3 | 2 | $141,103 | Open jobs → |
| 9 | Zoomin Groomin Decatur GA | 2 | 1 | $82,159 | Open jobs → |
| 10 | Zoomin Groomin Sugar Land TX | 2 | 1 | $109,123 | Open jobs → |
By Employment Type
part time
26 jobs
$93,576 – $95,976
full time
11 jobs
$47,981 – $68,709
Hourly vs. Salaried
Yearly
88 jobs
$77,367 – $80,667
What Pet Stylists Do
- Execute precise breed-standard haircuts per AKC or UKC conformation guidelines.
- Creative and competition grooming: color work, stylized trims, show prep.
- Hand-stripping on terrier and spaniel coats that require carded work rather than clipping.
- Mentor junior groomers and set quality standards in the salon.
- Build a repeat high-end clientele who book by stylist rather than by shop.
- Often lead seminars, compete at grooming shows, or contribute to grooming publications.
How to Increase Your Pet Stylist 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 Michigan tops the list at $104,353 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 Pet Stylists
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