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The average salary for a horse groomer is approximately $32,922 annually or $16 per hour, varying based on location and experience. Entry-level positions may start at around $15.83 per hour, while those with several years of experience can see substantial increases. Groomers working in high-demand areas often earn more, reflecting local market conditions.
Salaries for horse groomers differ by state, with the highest-paying regions offering competitive wages. For instance, states with a robust equestrian culture, such as Kentucky and California, typically provide better compensation. Understanding these variations can help aspiring groomers target locations where they can maximize their earnings.
Groomers can enhance their earnings by gaining additional certifications or specializing in areas such as veterinary care or show preparation. Networking within the equestrian community can also lead to higher-paying opportunities. This profession not only requires a love for horses but also offers a path for financial growth through skill development and experience.
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| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level horse groomer | $28,000 | $13.45 |
| Mid-level horse groomer | $32,000 | $15.37 |
| Senior-level horse groomer | $36,100 | $17.35 |
The highest-paying states for horse groomers are California, North Dakota, and Alaska. The lowest average horse groomer salary states are Kentucky, New Mexico, and Alabama.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $35,889 | $17.25 |
| 2 | California | $37,995 | $18.27 |
| 3 | West Virginia | $35,184 | $16.92 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $34,153 | $16.42 |
| 5 | Washington | $34,287 | $16.48 |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $33,999 | $16.35 |
| 7 | Arizona | $33,236 | $15.98 |
| 8 | Idaho | $32,075 | $15.42 |
| 9 | Colorado | $33,651 | $16.18 |
| 10 | North Dakota | $36,770 | $17.68 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $32,204 | $15.48 |
| 12 | Vermont | $32,598 | $15.67 |
| 13 | Maine | $35,380 | $17.01 |
| 14 | Wyoming | $29,275 | $14.07 |
| 15 | New York | $34,226 | $16.45 |
| 16 | District of Columbia | $39,414 | $18.95 |
| 17 | Nevada | $32,855 | $15.80 |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $32,647 | $15.70 |
| 19 | Minnesota | $32,793 | $15.77 |
| 20 | Illinois | $30,802 | $14.81 |
| 21 | Utah | $29,201 | $14.04 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | $28,799 | $13.85 |
| 23 | Indiana | $28,480 | $13.69 |
| 24 | Maryland | $30,889 | $14.85 |
| 25 | Florida | $28,496 | $13.70 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $29,915 | $14.38 |
| 27 | Oregon | $30,917 | $14.86 |
| 28 | Kansas | $28,324 | $13.62 |
| 29 | Hawaii | $29,069 | $13.98 |
| 30 | Georgia | $28,864 | $13.88 |
| 31 | Mississippi | $28,784 | $13.84 |
| 32 | Nebraska | $29,233 | $14.05 |
| 33 | Arkansas | $27,305 | $13.13 |
| 34 | Michigan | $27,846 | $13.39 |
| 35 | Missouri | $28,231 | $13.57 |
| 36 | Louisiana | $26,947 | $12.96 |
| 37 | North Carolina | $27,985 | $13.45 |
| 38 | New Jersey | $29,248 | $14.06 |
| 39 | Pennsylvania | $27,047 | $13.00 |
| 40 | Texas | $26,916 | $12.94 |
| 41 | Montana | $26,658 | $12.82 |
| 42 | Alabama | $25,821 | $12.41 |
| 43 | Iowa | $26,968 | $12.97 |
| 44 | Virginia | $26,822 | $12.90 |
| 45 | Ohio | $26,438 | $12.71 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $26,888 | $12.93 |
| 47 | Delaware | $23,961 | $11.52 |
| 48 | Kentucky | $26,342 | $12.66 |
| 49 | New Mexico | $25,928 | $12.47 |
| 50 | South Carolina | $23,359 | $11.23 |
| 51 | Tennessee | $23,722 | $11.40 |
The highest-paying cities for horse groomers are Salinas, CA, Saratoga Springs, NY, and Sammamish, WA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salinas, CA | $38,352 | $18.44 |
| 2 | Saratoga Springs, NY | $34,565 | $16.62 |
| 3 | Sammamish, WA | $34,384 | $16.53 |
| 4 | Westport, CT | $34,126 | $16.41 |
| 5 | Castle Rock, CO | $33,599 | $16.15 |
| 6 | Shakopee, MN | $32,671 | $15.71 |
| 7 | Laurel, MD | $30,851 | $14.83 |
| 8 | Hallandale Beach, FL | $28,536 | $13.72 |
| 9 | Cleveland, OH | $27,018 | $12.99 |
| 10 | Oklahoma City, OK | $26,940 | $12.95 |
| 11 | New Orleans, LA | $26,879 | $12.92 |
| 12 | Houston, TX | $26,736 | $12.85 |
| 13 | Georgetown, KY | $26,514 | $12.75 |
| 14 | Wilmington, DE | $24,126 | $11.60 |
A horse groomer's salary ranges from $21,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $49,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $49,000 | $4,083 | $24 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| Average | $32,922 | $2,744 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,000 | $2,167 | $13 |
| 10th Percentile | $21,000 | $1,750 | $10 |
The highest paying types of horse groomers are pet care associate, animal shelter worker, and pet groomer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Attendant | $26,394 | $2,199 | $12.69 | 53,000 |
| Kennel Attendant | $26,373 | $2,198 | $12.68 | 72,239 |
| Bather | $31,051 | $2,588 | $14.93 | 56,255 |
| Animal Care Technician | $29,617 | $2,468 | $14.24 | 96,973 |
| Dog Walker/Pet Sitter | $30,871 | $2,573 | $14.84 | 70,256 |
| Animation Internship | $31,922 | $2,660 | $15.35 | 47,148 |
Top companies hiring horse groomers now:
Horse groomer salaries at Burgundy Farm Country Day School and Classic are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average horse groomer salary at companies like Tac and Acres are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burgundy Farm Country Day School | $44,272 | $21.28 |
| 2 | Classic | $36,075 | $17.34 |
| 3 | Tac | $35,994 | $17.30 |
| 4 | Acres | $35,821 | $17.22 |
| 5 | ACP, Inc. | $34,332 | $16.51 |
| 6 | Benhaven | $31,908 | $15.34 |
| 7 | Davenport & Company | $30,489 | $14.66 |
| 8 | Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance | $26,683 | $12.83 |
The average horse groomer salary varies across industries:
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Professional | $37,825 | $18.19 |
| 2 | Finance | $36,304 | $17.45 |
| 3 | Non Profits | $35,878 | $17.25 |
| 4 | Education | $35,857 | $17.24 |
| 5 | Technology | $35,648 | $17.14 |
| 6 | Agriculture | $34,740 | $16.70 |
| 7 | Hospitality | $32,355 | $15.56 |
The average horse groomer salary has risen by $8,294 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average horse groomer earned $24,628 annually, but today, they earn $32,922 a year. That works out to a 19% change in pay for horse groomers over the last decade.
Compare horse groomer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare horse groomer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,900 | $15.83 | +5.0% |
| 2024 | $31,300 | $15.04 | +4.1% |
| 2023 | $30,000 | $14.42 | +3.4% |
| 2022 | $29,000 | $13.93 | +4.2% |
| 2021 | $27,800 | $13.35 | +4.5% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sundance Mountain Resort | Summer Mountain Grooming | Provo, UT | 06/28/2025 | $39,653 |
| Job Bridge Global | Horse Groom | Lexington, KY | 04/03/2025 | $31,305 |
| Sundance Resort | Summer Mountain Grooming | Cove, UT | 03/29/2025 | $39,653 |
| Job Bridge Global | Horse Groom-Relocation To Kentucky | Oklahoma City, OK | 03/26/2025 | $31,305 |
| Job Bridge Global | Horse Groom-Relocation To Kentucky | Fort Worth, TX | 03/18/2025 | $31,305 |
| Job Bridge Global | Horse Groom-Relocation To Kentucky | Ocala, FL | 03/18/2025 | $31,305 |
| Job Bridge Global | Horse Groom-Relocation To Kentucky | Charlotte, NC | 03/18/2025 | $31,305 |
| Beacon Hill Show Stables, Inc. | Horse Show Groom | Colts Neck, NJ | 01/01/2025 | $38,943 |
| Steinbeck Equine Clinic, Inc. | Horse Groomer | Menlo Park, CA | 01/01/2025 | $44,244 |
| Todd A. Pletcher Racing Stables, Inc.-Saratoga | Thoroughbred Horse Groom | Saratoga Springs, NY | 01/01/2025 | $36,856 |
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