Grooming As A Career

[Rileys mum]

hi guys,

I know this topic has been done to death but i would love to pick the brains specifically from those of you who work full time as a groomer. I enjoy my current job but am coming to the stage where im feeling i need to look at getting out of shift work. Its really getting to me both physically and mentally which is not a good thing.

Grooming has always been an interest of mine. I realise that its not an easy job and there is alot of training and learning that will go along with the job but its definately something im intersted in. I have years and years of show horse grooming/preperation which i loved so i think i would find the job very rewarding (on the good days anyway ;))

I was wondering if those that work in the industry would be willing to give me an idea of what is generally earnt every fortnight as a take home pay. I would likely be looking to work/train in a shop front salon. I suppose i am looking to see if the drop in pay will still be managable. Im a big believer in doing something that you enjoy so im not overly concerned about the pay drop, i just need to make sure im focusing my attention on something that is do-able financially with my mortgage etc etc.

I know its quite a personal question to ask so if preffered those that are willing to can message me. :) I figured asking here would give me the best chance of getting accurate info about this as i know there are some very experienced and skilled groomers here.

Thanks for any help anyone can pass on :)

[Dogsfevr]

I am a full time groomer but work from home .

Alot would depend on the salon you end up at & how busy they are .

Alot will depend on how long you are a bath/dryer/gopher before you work on the dogs .

Alot will depend if you want to work saturdays as most salon do saturdays.

It is very hard work & to be honest under paid & under appreciated .

It is also depends on the type of groomer you want to be ,just a clip off person or a stylist with great scissor work & even hand stripping knowledge.

I would say without knowing current salon wages you would havea very big drop in wages especially if you can't get full time .

I enjoy what i do BUT also have show dogs so grooming is my life but i would also be upfront & tell anyone that has a nice 9/5 job with good pay to think twice

[Rileys mum]

Thanks for the info.

Althought i know alot of general grooming is just the clip em off all over style, its not really what im interested in. I know realistically its where one would likely start but i really do have an interest in learning how to scissor, hand strip, specific breed clips etc. Unrealistic in the short term as a career as there is alot of learning involved im sure but thats what i ideally would love to learn as a skill.

Im realistic about the lack of pay...which is a shame as its certainly not an easy job. It is something that i have been interested in for a while but not game enough to make the move simply for fear of the financial side of things. Such a shame but thats life i guess.

I have the fairly decent paying job at the moment...but the 9-5 aint even close. days, afternoon and night shifts. My body doesnt know what day it is half the time.

I appreciat the honesty thought. Perhaps i should contact a few local groomers and see if i could work unpaid a few times a week to get some basic skills? is this something that is done in the industry at all?

[Clyde]

It's certainly worth looking at it long term and eventually being self employed. Money can be good this way especially if you gain a good rep and have good staff.Good luck

[Rileys mum]

Thanks Clyde. I think ill definately look more closely into it. :)

[Rysup]

I've been working as a groomer on and off for the last 15 years or so. 5 years I worked on my own in a mobile business. The last 2 years I've worked for someone else in a salon. Working for yourself certainly earns you more income, but there are many more demands too. I am enjoying not having to maintain a business at the moment.

I am only able to work school hours (9-2.30), and I work with another girl who is partially trained. The pay varies a lot as we are only in when there are bookings. We do some Saturdays which is time and a half, so when we do Saturdays we bring home a nice pay.