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Pet groomer vs bather

The differences between pet groomers and bathers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-3 months to become both a pet groomer and a bather. Additionally, a pet groomer has an average salary of $32,139, which is higher than the $31,051 average annual salary of a bather.

The top three skills for a pet groomer include PET, dryers and pet care. The most important skills for a bather are PET, check-in, and customer satisfaction.

Pet groomer vs bather overview

Pet GroomerBather
Yearly salary$32,139$31,051
Hourly rate$15.45$14.93
Growth rate28%28%
Number of jobs63,64156,255
Job satisfaction54
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 48%
Average age3232
Years of experience33

What does a pet groomer do?

A pet groomer typically works with pets and other animals in pet grooming boutiques and pet stores. As a pet groomer, you will perform a few tasks that may include cleaning and taking care of pets such as dogs, maintaining the cleanliness of the work area for the next client, and working with the cash registers. In addition, you will groom dogs and cats using different tools and techniques, ensuring that pets stay safe and are well taken care of.

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.

Pet groomer vs bather salary

Pet groomers and bathers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Pet GroomerBather
Average salary$32,139$31,051
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $48,000Between $22,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between pet groomer and bather education

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

Pet GroomerBather
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 36%High School Diploma, 48%
Most common majorBusinessMedical Assisting Services
Most common collegeUniversity of Massachusetts AmherstVermont Technical College

Pet groomer vs bather demographics

Here are the differences between pet groomers' and bathers' demographics:

Pet GroomerBather
Average age3232
Gender ratioMale, 14.0% Female, 86.0%Male, 14.2% Female, 85.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.3% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 2.6% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%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 Percentage11%11%

Differences between pet groomer and bather duties and responsibilities

Pet groomer example responsibilities.

  • Achieve detailed grooming including skin, ear, nail care, coat clips and dental care.
  • Manage all breeding, whelping, raising of puppies, grooming and showing of dogs for owners in the AKC.
  • Perform animal grooming duties such as washing, brushing, clipping and trimming coats, cutting nail and cleaning ears.
  • Dedicate to building rapport with pet owners by proving excellent customer service and individualize care.
  • Experience with dogs, cats, birds, chickens, pigs, and sheep.
  • Take care of the delivery of small pets such as: fish, guinea pigs, reptiles, etc.
  • 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

Pet groomer vs bather skills

Common pet groomer skills
  • PET, 76%
  • Dryers, 20%
  • Pet Care, 1%
  • Salon Services, 1%
  • Cleanliness, 0%
  • Customer Service, 0%
Common bather skills
  • PET, 79%
  • Check-In, 7%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 5%
  • Compassion, 4%
  • Book Appointments, 2%
  • Develop Long Term, 1%

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