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Groom vs bather

The differences between grooms and bathers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a bather has an average salary of $31,051, which is higher than the $30,872 average annual salary of a groom.

The top three skills for a groom include PET, clipping and animal handling. The most important skills for a bather are PET, check-in, and customer satisfaction.

Groom vs bather overview

GroomBather
Yearly salary$30,872$31,051
Hourly rate$14.84$14.93
Growth rate1%28%
Number of jobs9,30256,255
Job satisfaction-4
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age4032
Years of experience-3

What does a groom do?

A groom is primarily in charge of maintaining the hygiene and appearance of pets. Typically working at grooming shops, a groom liaises with pet owners to identify their preferences, observe the pet's condition to identify its needs, and explain the extent of procedures to pet owners. They may bathe and cut a pet's hair or nails, even brush its teeth and recommend care procedures to clients. Furthermore, as a groom, it is essential to be proactive and alert as some pets' behaviors are unpredictable.

What does a bather do?

A bather typically works at veterinary clinics and pet grooming establishments where they are primarily in charge of bathing animals, particularly cats and dogs. They are responsible for ensuring that the animals are comfortable with the water temperature, using particular soap and shampoo, drying fur, and adhering to the pet owner's other requests. They may also cut toenails, comb and brush coat, and administer particular products when necessary. Moreover, as a bather, it is essential to be proactive in dealing with issues and temperamental pets.

Groom vs bather salary

Grooms and bathers have different pay scales, as shown below.

GroomBather
Average salary$30,872$31,051
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $43,000Between $22,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityNatick, MA-
Highest paying stateHawaii-
Best paying companyDartmouth-
Best paying industry--

Differences between groom and bather education

There are a few differences between a groom and a bather in terms of educational background:

GroomBather
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 38%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessMedical Assisting Services
Most common college-Vermont Technical College

Groom vs bather demographics

Here are the differences between grooms' and bathers' demographics:

GroomBather
Average age4032
Gender ratioMale, 19.3% Female, 80.7%Male, 14.2% Female, 85.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.6% Unknown, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 25.7% Asian, 1.8% White, 63.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 2.6% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage3%11%

Differences between groom and bather duties and responsibilities

Groom example responsibilities.

  • Manage all breeding, whelping, raising of puppies, grooming and showing of dogs for owners in the AKC.
  • Provide excellent customer service and interact with pet parents.
  • Perform all grooming procedures including bath, brush, clips, and shave downs.
  • Toe nail clips, ear cleanings, and also extensive de sheds and mat removal.
  • Perform animal grooming such as washing, brushing, trimming coats, cutting nails, and cleaning ears.
  • Answer calls, make grooming appointments, wash and dry dogs, trim/ grind nails, brush coats appropriately
  • Show more

Bather example responsibilities.

  • Manage all breeding, whelping, raising of puppies, grooming and showing of dogs for owners in the AKC.
  • Advise customers on proper pet nutrition, and pick a proper shampoo program to ensure healthy coats for individual pets.
  • Sustain pet care excellence in a dynamic and fast-pace environment
  • Read written or receive oral instructions to determine clipping pattern desire.
  • Detail orient work and recognizing signs of rashes, allergies and potential behavioral problems in dogs.
  • Bathe dogs, clip/ground nails, clean ears, brush teeth and shave paw pads/sanitary area, express anal glands.
  • Show more

Groom vs bather skills

Common groom skills
  • PET, 71%
  • Clipping, 11%
  • Animal Handling, 4%
  • Pet Care, 3%
  • Compassion, 3%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 3%
Common bather skills
  • PET, 79%
  • Check-In, 7%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 5%
  • Compassion, 4%
  • Book Appointments, 2%
  • Develop Long Term, 1%

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