Image that illustrates Dog groomer

Dog groomer

28 218 kr

Breeders and caretakers of pets

28 467 - 28 218 kr / month

Naturbruk

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Dog groomer

What does a dog groomer do? – Tasks and work environment

A dog groomer works with trimming, clipping, bathing, and caring for dogs' coats in a salon environment or sometimes on-site at the customer's location. Tasks include coat grooming, nail trimming, basic health checks, and advice on maintenance. The work requires a good understanding of the needs of different dog breeds and the ability to handle animals calmly and securely. The work environment is often physically active and may involve standing for long periods, sometimes near water and fur dust, which demands endurance and hygiene routines.

Salary development over time

The salary for dog groomers has steadily developed over recent years, but changes have been marginal. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month, increasing to 28 101 SEK in 2023. For 2024, the average salary is 28 218 SEK per month, representing a total increase of about 1.2% over three years. The slow salary growth can be explained by the profession belonging to a less regulated industry where wages are often influenced by demand for services and local market conditions rather than collective agreements. Despite increased interest in dog care, wages have remained relatively stable, possibly because many dog groomers operate their own businesses or work for smaller companies with limited room for salary increases.

Dog groomer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Data unavailable
  • Hourly wage: 169 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Data unavailable
  • Regional differences: Data unavailable

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a dog groomer varies, and there are no formal requirements for the profession in Sweden. Many choose to take specialized courses offered by private providers or folk high schools, sometimes supplemented with internships or trainee positions. Practical experience is highly valued, and it is common for beginners to start as assistants before taking on their own clients. Self-study and online courses can also be options for deepening techniques or breed-specific grooming.

  • Training: Dog grooming courses (3–12 months)
  • Certifications: Possible through industry organizations
  • Internships: Strongly recommended for gaining experience
  • Prerequisites: No formal requirements, but familiarity with animals is an advantage
  • Self-study/online: Common as a supplement

Did you know that a dog groomer often learns to read dog body language to work safely and effectively? The ability to handle stressed or scared dogs is an important part of the daily work and can be crucial for a successful outcome.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Common benefits for dog groomers can include staff discounts on pet care products, wellness allowances, and sometimes access to further training in coat care or animal handling. Self-employed individuals can influence their working conditions, while employees at larger salons may be offered bonuses tied to performance or customer satisfaction.

Competition and challenges

The competition within the profession is noticeable, especially in larger cities where the supply of dog groomers is high and customers have many options. Building a loyal customer base and managing seasonal variations can be challenging, as demand may fluctuate throughout the year. The profession is also physically demanding, which can lead to wear and tear on the back, shoulders, and hands over time. Developments in dog care and new trends require continuous skills development. Handling different dogs' temperaments and needs demands patience and flexibility.

Tips for aspiring dog groomers

To succeed as a dog groomer, it’s important to have a genuine interest in animals and a high level of patience, as each dog has its own temperament and needs individual handling. Precision is crucial for delivering professional results and avoiding injuries to the animal. Good physical health facilitates the physically active work, which may involve heavy lifting or long working days. Social skills are an asset, as the profession involves much customer contact and the ability to build trust with both pet owners and their dogs. It’s also important to be curious and willing to constantly learn new techniques and trends in coat care, especially if you want to be competitive in the market.

Key facts about Dog Groomer

  • Educational level: No formal requirements, but vocational training is recommended
  • Work environment: Salon, often physically active and sometimes noisy
  • Typical employment: Self-employed or employed in smaller companies
  • Demand: 360 available jobs within the profession in Sweden
  • Special skills: Coat care, breed-specific clipping, handling stressed animals

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a dog groomer can advance to running their own salon, become responsible for training new groomers, or specialize in specific breeds and show dogs. Some choose to expand their skills with services like dog massage or behavior consulting. According to the Swedish Employment Service's forecast, demand for dog groomers remains stable, with 360 available jobs within the profession. The profession is influenced by trends in pet ownership and households’ willingness to invest in their animals, offering good future prospects for those who are flexible and keep up with new techniques.

Frequently asked questions about Dog Groomer

  • What is the average salary of a dog groomer?
    - The average salary for a dog groomer is 28 218 SEK per month.
  • How has the salary development been?
    - The salary development has been slightly positive over the past three years, with an increase of approximately 1.2% between 2022 and 2024.
  • What education is required?
    - There are no formal requirements, but vocational training and internships are highly recommended.
  • What does the job market look like?
    - The job market is stable with 360 available positions in Sweden.
  • Can I work as an independent entrepreneur?
    - Yes, many dog groomers run their own salons or businesses.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Patience, thoroughness, and good physical health are important qualities in the profession.

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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Dog groomer has the SSYK code 6122, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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31 377
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Fees
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