Pet Grooming Salary in India (2026): A Skill-Based Career With Strong Growth

Admin
Jan 8
4 min read

In 2026, India’s pet grooming industry continues to expand due to rising pet ownership, higher hygiene awareness, and the premiumisation of pet care. Grooming is no longer seen as an informal job. It is now a skill-based profession, where earnings increase with technique, consistency, and professional standards.

Certified groomers are in demand not only in metro cities but also in suburbs and Tier 2 markets, where trained professionals remain in short supply.

This guide presents current, realistic 2026 salary indicators for pet groomers in India, based on industry hiring patterns, salon operations, and the way professional grooming studios structure roles and pay.

Understanding City Tiers and Locality Impact

Salary varies by city tier and also by locality within the same city.

Tier 1 Cities

Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, ChennaiThese cities have higher pet density, higher service pricing, and stronger demand for skilled groomers.

Tier 2 Cities

Indore, Jaipur, Surat, Nagpur, Kochi, Lucknow, Patna, Coimbatore, VadodaraDemand is rising quickly, and the shortage of certified groomers improves earning potential.

Tier 3 Cities

Smaller towns where organised grooming is still developing, but demand is steadily increasing.

Important: Even within Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, locality matters. Premium neighbourhoods and high-income residential clusters typically support better pricing, stronger client repeat rates, and higher groomer compensation.

Pet Groomer Career Levels and Salaries (2026)

The hierarchy below reflects professional role definitions commonly used in Indian salons.

1) Entry-Level Groomer (0–6 months experience)

Role: Assisting senior groomers, bathing and drying, performing basic hygiene tasks, and handling pets under supervision.

Monthly Salary (2026):Tier 1: ₹15,000 – ₹22,000Tier 2: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000Tier 3: ₹10,000 – ₹14,000

2) Junior Groomer (1–2 years experience)

Role: Full grooms for basic to moderate breeds, improved finishing, stronger handling, and better tool control.

Monthly Salary (2026):Tier 1: ₹22,000 – ₹32,000Tier 2: ₹18,000 – ₹25,000Tier 3: ₹15,000 – ₹20,000

3) Senior Groomer (2–3+ years experience)

Role: Independent grooming across breeds, stronger scissoring, styling consistency, behaviour handling, and quality control.

Monthly Salary (2026):Tier 1: ₹35,000 – ₹55,000Tier 2: ₹28,000 – ₹45,000Tier 3: ₹22,000 – ₹35,000

4) Pet Stylist / Lead Groomer (5+ years experience)

Role: Advanced breed styling, creative grooming capability, show-level finishing, mentoring juniors, and maintaining salon standards.

Monthly Salary (2026):Tier 1: ₹55,000 – ₹1,00,000+Tier 2: ₹40,000 – ₹70,000Tier 3: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000

In premium localities of Tier 1 cities, lead groomers with advanced scissoring and a strong client following may earn above these ranges.

Freelance Pet Groomer Income (2026)

Freelancing is one of the highest-earning formats for groomers in 2026, especially for professionals who deliver consistent finishing and handle pets confidently.

Estimated Monthly Earnings:Tier 1: ₹60,000 – ₹1,20,000+Tier 2: ₹40,000 – ₹80,000Tier 3: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000

Earnings depend on location, client repeat rate, daily capacity, and the groomer’s ability to deliver premium-quality finishes consistently.

Pet Grooming Salon Owner Income (2026)

Salon business performance depends heavily on locality, operations, and service positioning.

Average Monthly Revenue:Tier 1: ₹1.5 lakh – ₹4 lakh+Tier 2: ₹1.2 lakh – ₹3 lakhTier 3: ₹60,000 – ₹1.5 lakh

Typical Net Profit Margin: 25% – 40%This varies with rent, staffing, product costs, and service mix. Premium localities generally support better pricing and stronger repeat business.

What Actually Determines a Groomer’s Salary in 2026

Pet grooming compensation is rarely based solely on years of experience. It is strongly performance-driven. Salons typically evaluate:

Scissoring and finishing quality
Breed and coat-type knowledge
Safe handling and behaviour management
Speed with consistency (efficiency without compromising quality)
Hygiene discipline and tool maintenance
Communication with pet parents and professionalism
Reliability, punctuality, and teamwork

In short: better skills = better income.

Why Grooming Salaries Continue to Rise in 2026

Growth in pet ownership across India
Shortage of trained and certified groomers
Premiumisation of pet services in metros and Tier 2 hubs
Expansion of boutique salons and mobile grooming
Rising preference for international-standard grooming and safe handling

Demand continues to outpace supply, especially for groomers who can deliver calm handling and consistent finish quality.

How Petswag Grooming Academy Helps Students Earn Better

Petswag Grooming Academy in Kalyan (Mumbai Metropolitan Region, near Thane) prepares students for real salon expectations through:

Live-pet practical grooming
International grooming and scissoring techniques
Behaviour-based handling practices
Career guidance and placement support
Business mentorship for future salon owners
Small-batch, mentor-led training

Students trained under Jessica John develop strong foundations and salon-ready confidence to build careers across Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, and all major Indian markets.

A Practical Closing

Pet grooming in 2026 is a genuine profession with clear upward mobility. Whether you aim for a stable salon role, freelance flexibility, or long-term entrepreneurship, income growth depends on one thing: skill. Learn correctly, practice consistently, and work under professional standards — the market rewards groomers who deliver quality and safety every day.

Important Salary Disclaimer (2026)

The salary ranges mentioned in this guide are industry indicators based on currently available 2026 data across Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities. Actual salaries may vary, as salons and business owners consider multiple factors — including experience, technical skill, finish quality, behaviour handling, speed, knowledge, communication skills, attitude, overall performance, and locality within the same city. Pet grooming is a skill-based profession, and income growth depends heavily on expertise, consistency, and continuous learning.

Start Your Career at Petswag Grooming Academy (Mumbai–Kalyan | Near Thane)

📍 Petswag Grooming Academy, Kalyan (Mumbai/Thane region), India 📞 +91 86573 35633✉️ sales@petswag.in🌐 www.petswagacademy.com

Train under Jessica John, a Certified Groomer & Stylist and Certified Canine Behaviourist, with international training experience in Malaysia, South Korea, and India.