It doesn’t take rocket science to see that grooming prices are all over the map. One salon might have such low overhead that they’re still charging $35 for a full groom. (Yes, people really do charge that little.) On the other end of the spectrum, a brick-and-mortar salon specializing in one-on-one services may have a starting price of $130 or more. Geographic location also has a huge influence on pricing. Rates that work in a small rural town may never support a salon in a large metropolitan area, and vice versa.
With so much variation, it can be tempting to simply charge what everyone else around you is charging. While it’s important to understand your local market, pricing your services should start with something much more important: knowing your numbers.
Calculating what to charge isn’t nearly as complicated as many groomers think. Start by adding up your monthly overhead. This includes rent, insurance, utilities, software, licensing, equipment maintenance, supplies and any recurring business expenses. Then, factor in payroll, payroll taxes, employee benefits and the salary you want to earn as the owner. Don’t forget annual expenses like continuing education, retirement contributions, equipment replacement, veterinary bills for accidental injuries, emergency cushion or other miscellaneous costs. Divide those yearly expenses by 12 so they become part of your monthly budget.
Many groomers are surprised when they complete this exercise. The number is often much higher than expected because it’s easy to overlook the hidden costs of running a business. Pricing based on what feels fair or what another salon charges can leave you operating at a loss without even realizing it.
Breaking even simply means your business survives. It doesn’t leave room for replacing worn-out equipment, taking a vacation, investing in continuing education, saving for retirement or preparing for unexpected emergencies. A healthy business should generate profit, not just cover expenses. If you follow the “Profit First” method, you can even build your desired profit directly into your pricing structure from the beginning instead of hoping there’s something left over at the end of the month.
Prices should absolutely be competitive, but consistently undercharging is a disservice to both your business and your clients. It may feel like you’re attracting more customers because your prices are lower than everyone else’s, but in reality, you’re doing the same work as every other groomer for a fraction of the pay.
Even groomers who are just starting out deserve to earn more than minimum wage. While experience, speed and specialization certainly influence pricing, no one should be working full time only to struggle paying their own bills. Your pricing should reflect both your cost of doing business and the value of the services you provide. It should also be comparable to other salons in your area offering a similar experience.
Ironically, underpricing often hurts clients in the long run as well. Clients who have enjoyed unrealistically low prices for years are suddenly forced to find another groomer when that business closes. They’re often shocked to discover that the average price in their area is often double what they’ve been paying. For many families, that kind of increase isn’t financially possible overnight. Some begin stretching appointments farther apart, while others stop coming altogether. Appropriate pricing isn’t just about making money; it’s about building a business that’s sustainable enough to continue serving clients for years to come.
It’s also important to remember that not every client is shopping for the lowest price. Some value convenience while others appreciate specialized handling, one-on-one appointments, flexible scheduling, exceptional communication or a low-stress environment for their pet. The goal isn’t to appeal to every client but to attract the clients who value what you offer.
Likewise, not every groomer needs to compete on price. Groomers who specialize in show dogs, hand scissoring, one-on-one appointments, mobile grooming, Fear Free handling or other premium services should absolutely charge accordingly. Those clients aren’t simply paying for a haircut; they’re paying for expertise, experience and a specialized level of care.
Knowing what to charge can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be based on guesswork. There is actual math that can help determine exactly what your business needs to not only survive, but to thrive. It may feel uncomfortable quoting higher prices to a potential client, but imagine how much more uncomfortable it would be explaining that your business is closing because it simply couldn’t afford to stay open.
Many groomers keep their prices low because they feel compassion for elderly clients, people on fixed incomes, rescue dogs or owners who genuinely didn’t realize professional grooming would cost as much as it does. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to help. What isn’t necessary is undercharging every client to make room for the few situations that tug at your heart.
Instead, consider offering solutions that still protect your business. You might offer shorter maintenance haircuts, flexible payment arrangements, discounted pricing for a specific client in need or even barter services if that’s a good fit. Those decisions can be made intentionally instead of becoming your standard pricing model.
There’s a common misconception that making a profit and being compassionate are mutually exclusive. In reality, the opposite is often true. The healthier your business becomes, the more freedom you have to help others. Profitable salons can donate grooming services, sponsor rescue organizations, quietly assist a family going through a difficult time or offer complimentary grooming to pets in need.
The more successful your business is, the greater your ability to give back. Building a profitable salon isn’t selfish; it’s what allows you to continue serving your clients, supporting your community and creating a business that will still be standing years from now.