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 caring for and trimming dogs' coats according to breed standards or customer preferences. Tasks include cutting, bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and sometimes basic health checks. The environment is often small-scale and personal, either in a private salon, at a dog daycare, or as a mobile service at clients' homes. The profession requires a lot of patience, an eye for detail, and a good understanding of animal signals to create a safe and secure experience for each dog.

Salary development over time

The salary development for dog groomers has been relatively stable over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,874 SEK per month, which increased slightly to 28 101 SEK in 2023. In 2024, the average salary was recorded at 28 218 SEK per month, representing an increase of approximately 1.2% over the three-year period. The low percentage change indicates a mature market with limited salary increases, often reflecting that the profession is small-scale and competitive. However, demand for dog grooming is increasing in line with rising pet ownership, but this has not yet significantly impacted salary growth.

Dog groomer salary – complete overview

  • Average salary: 28 218 SEK/month
  • Lowest/Highest salary: Varies depending on experience, location, and work form
  • Hourly wage: 169 SEK/hour
  • Gender differences: Data unavailable
  • Regional differences: Salary variations occur, especially between cities and rural areas

Education and qualifications

To work as a dog groomer, no formal vocational qualification is required, but specialized training in dog care and coat grooming is common. Practical experience, preferably through internships or trainee programs, is highly meritorious and often crucial for employment or starting your own business. Many choose to supplement with courses in animal handling, hygiene, and customer service to broaden their skills.

  • Private vocational training: 3–12 months, often including practical components
  • Certifications: Voluntary industry certificates are available
  • Internships: Strongly recommended, sometimes a requirement by employers
  • Prerequisites: High school diploma and interest in animals
  • Online courses: Available as supplements for further education

Many dog groomers develop specialized skills in specific breeds or coat types, which can open opportunities to work at shows or as judges. It is also common to combine grooming with other dog-related services, such as nail trimming or dog massage.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensation

In the profession of dog grooming, benefits often include flexible working hours, the ability to influence your work environment, and discounts on pet products. Some employers may also offer wellness allowances, training support, and bonuses for good performance or high customer satisfaction. Self-employed individuals have the freedom to set their own prices and work schedules, which offers great flexibility but also responsibility.

Competition and challenges

Competition within dog grooming is noticeable, especially in larger cities where the range of services is extensive. Challenges include building a stable customer base and continuously updating skills to meet new trends in coat care. Hygiene requirements and work environment regulations must be strictly followed, while the work can be physically demanding and involve contact with stressed or frightened animals. Handling different breeds and personalities requires both technical skill and empathy.

Tips for aspiring dog groomers

To succeed as a dog groomer, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in animals with patience and thoroughness. Being resilient helps when unexpected situations arise and each customer’s dog requires individual attention. Good communication skills are valuable for building trust with both pet owners and dogs, while a creative flair facilitates styling coats according to various preferences. Being proactive and continuously developing your skills through education or networking within the industry is crucial for long-term success. Finally, it is important to be service-oriented and flexible, as workdays often vary and require adaptability.

Key facts about dog groomers

  • Education level: Private vocational training, often 3–12 months
  • Work environment: Salon, dog daycare, or home visits
  • Work form: Self-employed or employed
  • Demand: 360 available jobs (2024, SSYK data)
  • Special skills: Coat care, breed standards, and animal handling

Career paths and future outlook

After three to five years in the profession, dog groomers can choose to specialize in specific breeds, work with show dogs, or further train as instructors in coat care. Some start their own salons, offering greater freedom and potential for higher income, while others combine grooming with related services such as dog daycare or pet stores. The forecast from the Employment Service indicates steady demand, especially as the number of pets increases. Digitalization and increased awareness of animal welfare may also create new opportunities within the industry.

Frequently asked questions about dog groomers

  • What is the average salary of a dog groomer?
    - The average salary is 28 218 SEK per month.
  • What education is required to become a dog groomer?
    - Private vocational training, often between 3 and 12 months, is recommended.
  • Are there good future prospects for dog groomers?
    - Demand is stable, and there were 360 available jobs within the profession in 2024.
  • What do dog groomers do besides trimming fur?
    - The work also includes bathing, nail trimming, basic health checks, and customer advice.
  • What is the working environment like for dog groomers?
    - The environment is often small-scale, with close contact with animals and pet owners.
  • Can you work as a self-employed person?
    - Yes, many dog groomers run their own salon or offer mobile services.
  • Are there regional differences in salary?
    - Yes, wages can vary between urban and rural areas.

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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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