The gig economy has created flexible career opportunities, and few are as surprisingly lucrative as professional dog walking. With wages exceeding $40 per hour in many states, it ranks among the most financially rewarding freelance jobs.
But how profitable is dog walking? And how many hours does it take to match a full-time salary?
The numbers tell a compelling story:
- In 2024, the U.S. dog walking industry was valued at $1.7 billion.
- In all 50 states, dog walking pays more per hour than the state’s average wage.
- Theoretically, California dog walkers would earn $114,000 annually if they worked a full 40-hour week for 52 weeks.
- Wyoming dog walkers earn $36.02 per hour, the lowest rate in the U.S., but still above the statewide average for all jobs.
- Alaska has one of the highest pay rates at $48.53 per hour.
- In Mississippi, dog walkers can match the average salary by working just 24 hours per week.
- One professional dog walker in New York City makes over $100,000 a year by walking multiple dogs simultaneously and optimizing routes.
These figures are just the start. We analyzed data from dog walkers across all 50 states to determine the average earnings and whether this side hustle can earn you the same as a full-time job.
Earnings Breakdown: How Much Do Dog Walkers Actually Make?
The data revealed that U.S. dog walkers earn between $36 and $54 per hour, depending on location. In contrast, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that the average hourly wage across all industries in the U.S. is approximately $29.82. That’s a big jump compared to many traditional jobs, making dog walking one of the most well-paid freelance gigs.
A closer look at state-specific wages shows that dog walking out earns the average state salary in all 50 states. However, since most dog walkers don’t work full-time, annualized earnings should be viewed as a maximum potential.
| State-by-State Hourly and Annualized Earnings | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dog Walking Data | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | ||||
| State | Data Count | Avg. Hourly Rate | Annualized | Mean Hourly | Mean Annual |
| Alabama | 612 | $40.59 | $84,424 | $25.67 | $53,400 |
| Alaska | 151 | $48.53 | $100,942 | $33.60 | $69,880 |
| Arizona | 1,796 | $43.61 | $90,719 | $30.31 | $63,040 |
| Arkansas | 388 | $38.94 | $80,995 | $24.64 | $51,250 |
| California | 7,392 | $54.81 | $114,000 | $37.00 | $76,960 |
| Colorado | 3,732 | $44.42 | $92,394 | $34.60 | $71,960 |
| Connecticut | 884 | $48.19 | $100,226 | $35.45 | $73,740 |
| Delaware | 268 | $43.86 | $91,225 | $31.73 | $65,990 |
| Florida | 3,661 | $42.41 | $88,212 | $28.95 | $60,210 |
| Georgia | 1,569 | $45.65 | $94,943 | $29.45 | $61,250 |
| Hawaii | 369 | $43.66 | $90,810 | $31.27 | $65,030 |
| Idaho | 491 | $41.30 | $85,894 | $26.75 | $55,640 |
| Illinois | 2,099 | $45.87 | $95,403 | $32.27 | $67,130 |
| Indiana | 726 | $40.26 | $83,739 | $27.12 | $56,420 |
| Iowa | 446 | $38.57 | $80,225 | $27.12 | $56,400 |
| Kansas | 450 | $39.31 | $81,767 | $27.05 | $56,270 |
| Kentucky | 599 | $39.47 | $82,096 | $25.97 | $54,030 |
| Louisiana | 543 | $39.94 | $83,070 | $25.69 | $53,440 |
| Maine | 299 | $50.20 | $104,417 | $28.85 | $60,000 |
| Maryland | 1,822 | $45.45 | $94,534 | $35.40 | $73,620 |
| Massachusetts | 1,841 | $49.53 | $103,024 | $38.62 | $80,330 |
| Michigan | 1,998 | $43.92 | $91,358 | $29.13 | $60,600 |
| Minnesota | 1,728 | $44.13 | $91,797 | $32.07 | $66,700 |
| Mississippi | 206 | $37.11 | $77,182 | $22.87 | $47,570 |
| Missouri | 1,056 | $39.64 | $82,444 | $27.68 | $57,580 |
| Montana | 373 | $43.20 | $89,858 | $26.88 | $55,920 |
| Nebraska | 385 | $39.08 | $81,287 | $27.92 | $58,080 |
| Nevada | 964 | $43.60 | $90,683 | $28.32 | $58,900 |
| New Hampshire | 415 | $48.64 | $101,173 | $31.78 | $66,110 |
| New Jersey | 1,803 | $48.25 | $100,352 | $35.57 | $73,980 |
| New Mexico | 473 | $43.57 | $90,632 | $27.65 | $57,520 |
| New York | 4,695 | $47.90 | $99,629 | $37.80 | $78,620 |
| North Carolina | 3,349 | $41.51 | $86,349 | $28.71 | $59,730 |
| North Dakota | 167 | $39.11 | $81,357 | $28.39 | $59,050 |
| Ohio | 1,391 | $40.18 | $83,583 | $28.79 | $59,890 |
| Oklahoma | 686 | $38.31 | $79,689 | $25.70 | $53,450 |
| Oregon | 1,840 | $43.69 | $90,867 | $32.07 | $66,710 |
| Pennsylvania | 3,728 | $43.46 | $90,390 | $29.77 | $61,920 |
| Rhode Island | 457 | $45.97 | $95,616 | $32.02 | $66,610 |
| South Carolina | 1,355 | $41.02 | $85,318 | $26.08 | $54,250 |
| South Dakota | 183 | $39.46 | $82,086 | $25.59 | $53,230 |
| Tennessee | 2,047 | $42.19 | $87,760 | $26.94 | $56,030 |
| Texas | 5,123 | $43.35 | $90,172 | $29.44 | $61,240 |
| Utah | 1,384 | $39.37 | $81,886 | $29.36 | $61,070 |
| Vermont | 225 | $46.30 | $96,309 | $30.18 | $62,780 |
| Virginia | 1,503 | $40.60 | $84,443 | $33.68 | $70,050 |
| Washington | 2,930 | $50.18 | $104,375 | $37.56 | $78,130 |
| West Virginia | 174 | $39.76 | $82,698 | $25.10 | $52,200 |
| Wisconsin | 1,041 | $40.76 | $84,778 | $28.61 | $59,500 |
| Wyoming | 101 | $36.02 | $74,921 | $27.85 | $57,930 |
| Total | 71,918 | $43.10 | $89,641 | $29.82 | $62,027 |
(Note: Annualized salaries assume a full-time schedule, which is rare in dog walking. Many walkers work part-time or walk multiple dogs simultaneously to increase earnings.)
California leads the way, with dog walkers earning an average hourly rate of $54.81, while the statewide mean hourly wage for all jobs is $37.00.
In Arizona, where the average walker earns $43.61 per hour, the statewide mean hourly wage is just $30.31. The pattern continues across the country, with dog walking consistently offering higher hourly earnings than the state averages.
While California leads in hourly pay, it also has the highest number of dog walkers at 7,392. This suggests a highly active dog-walking market with frequent bookings. In contrast, states like Maine (299) and Alaska (151), which also report high hourly wages, have significantly lower data counts. This indicates that fewer dog walkers compete in these markets, potentially making it easier for walkers to charge premium rates due to lower competition.
Even in lower-paying states, dog walking wages still surpass average salaries. In Arkansas, for example, the average dog walking rate is $38.95 per hour, which is nearly $15 more per hour than the state’s overall average wage of $24.64.
Where Dog Walkers Earn The Most (And Least)
Dog walking wages vary significantly across the U.S., with some states offering hourly earnings that far exceed statewide average salaries while others fall closer to the national median.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Dog Walking States
| State | Hourly Rate | Annualized Income | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $54.81 | $114,000 |
| 2 | Maine | $50.20 | $104,417 |
| 3 | Washington | $50.18 | $104,375 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $49.53 | $103,024 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $48.64 | $101,173 |
| 6 | Alaska | $48.53 | $100,942 |
| 7 | New Jersey | $48.25 | $100,352 |
| 8 | Connecticut | $48.19 | $100,226 |
| 9 | New York | $47.90 | $99,629 |
| 10 | Vermont | $46.30 | $96,309 |
Thanks to high demand and a strong pet services market, California leads the pack with dog walkers. The Northeast follows closely behind, with Maine, Massachusetts, and New York ranking high—likely due to urban density and higher disposable income. Alaska stands out, where fewer walkers and higher service costs push up wages.
Even smaller states like Vermont and New Hampshire make the list, showing that low competition can mean higher earnings. With six states offering six-figure potential, it’s clear that in the right markets, dog walking can be a surprisingly lucrative gig.
Bottom 10 Lowest-Paying Dog Walking States
| State | Hourly Rate | Annualized Income | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wyoming | $36.02 | $74,921 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $37.11 | $77,182 |
| 3 | Oklahoma | $38.31 | $79,689 |
| 4 | Iowa | $38.57 | $80,225 |
| 5 | Arkansas | $38.94 | $80,995 |
| 6 | Nebraska | $39.08 | $81,287 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $39.11 | $81,357 |
| 8 | Kansas | $39.31 | $81,767 |
| 9 | Utah | $39.37 | $81,886 |
| 10 | South Dakota | $39.46 | $82,086 |
The lowest-paying states for dog walking are concentrated in the Midwest and Great Plains, where lower population density and fewer urban centers likely contribute to reduced demand.
States like North and South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming have smaller metropolitan areas, meaning fewer high-paying clients and less competition driving up rates. However, even in these lower-paying states, dog walkers still earn well above the average state wage, highlighting the gig’s strong earning potential across the country.
The Effect of Industry Competition
States like Arizona, which has a high data count (1,796), indicate a highly active gig economy, with many dog walkers competing for jobs. This could mean more opportunities for work and greater competition for clients.
In contrast, states like Maine and New Hampshire have fewer reported earnings, suggesting that while demand for dog walking exists, fewer gig workers are offering these services—potentially allowing walkers to charge premium rates due to lower competition.
Several factors influence the variation in dog-walking wages, including the cost of living, demand for professional dog-walking services, and the concentration of gig workers in the pet care industry.
Urban areas tend to offer higher wages, as pet owners are more likely to pay premium rates for professional dog walking services.
States with large metropolitan areas, such as California, Massachusetts, and Washington, naturally drive up per-walk pricing due to higher demand, higher disposable income, and increased competition.
Key Takeaways:
- More walkers means more competition: States with a high number of dog walkers, like Arizona, offer plenty of jobs but also stiff competition.
- Less competition can mean higher rates: Fewer walkers in states like Maine and New Hampshire allow for premium pricing.
- Urban demand drives up wages: Large cities see greater demand, pushing rates higher.
- Cost of living plays a role: Higher living expenses in some states lead to increased rates.
In states where wages tend to be lower, dog walkers still earn well above the minimum wage, making dog walking a financially attractive gig job in nearly every state. However, while hourly wages appear high, competition, platform fees, seasonal demand, and business costs play a role in determining a dog walker’s actual take-home pay.
How Location Influences Earnings
A state’s climate and urbanization shape the availability of dog-walking jobs and hourly earnings. Our study’s results highlight how weather conditions, competition levels, and demand fluctuations influence a walker’s income potential across different regions.
Cold climates and high wages
Dog walking wages in cold-weather states with long winters tend to be higher than the national average, as pet owners are often less inclined to walk their dogs in extreme conditions.
In Minnesota, where the average hourly rate is $44.13, and there are 1,728 reported dog walkers, earnings are a little above the national average of $43.10. The urban density of Minneapolis and St. Paul may contribute to a strong demand for professional dog walkers, as apartment dwellers and busy professionals rely more on paid services.
In contrast, Montana ($43.20 per hour, 373 dog walkers) is almost exactly in line with the national average, suggesting that cold weather alone does not drive higher earnings. Instead, other factors like population size, competition, and urban density likely influence pricing.
Meanwhile, North Dakota ($39.11 per hour, 167 dog walkers) falls below the national average despite its harsh winters. The lower number of walkers suggests limited demand, likely due to lower population density and fewer pet owners needing external dog-walking services.
Key Takeaways:
- Harsh winters boost demand – Cold-weather states see higher wages as pet owners are less inclined to walk their dogs in extreme conditions.
- Urban density plays a role – Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul drive up earnings due to a high concentration of apartment dwellers and busy professionals.
- Weather alone isn’t enough – States like Montana show that factors like population size and competition impact wages just as much as climate.
- Lower density limits demand – In states like North Dakota, fewer pet owners rely on professional walkers, leading to lower-than-average earnings despite harsh winters.
Urban vs. rural demand
The data shows that dog walking earnings are highest in states with large metropolitan areas, where population density increases demand for pet services.
In Texas, dog walkers make $43.35 per hour, reflecting strong demand in major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, where busy professionals and apartment dwellers are more likely to rely on paid pet services. With 5,123 reported dog walkers, Texas has one of the largest numbers of professional walkers in the country, indicating a highly active gig economy for pet services. However, the large number of walkers may also create more competition, keeping wages near the national average of $43.10 rather than pushing them higher.
In contrast, states with low population density tend to have lower demand and wages.
In South Dakota, where the data count is only 183, dog walkers earn $39.46 per hour, which is below the national average. The smaller number of reported dog walkers suggests that fewer pet owners rely on professional services, possibly due to more rural lifestyles and larger private yards.
However, among low-density states, Alaska is an exception, with dog walkers earning $48.53 per hour despite having just 151 reported walkers. This suggests that high wages may be driven by factors beyond population density, such as cost of living, limited availability of walkers, and higher service pricing to account for travel distances.
Key Takeaways:
- Metro areas drive demand – Cities with large populations, like Houston and Dallas, create strong demand for dog walking services, boosting wages.
- High competition keeps wages stable – Texas has one of the largest numbers of professional dog walkers, which may prevent wages from rising above the national average.
- Rural areas see lower demand – In low-density states like South Dakota, fewer pet owners rely on professional walkers, leading to lower-than-average wages.
- Alaska is an exception – Despite a small number of dog walkers, higher wages in Alaska may be due to the cost of living, service pricing, and limited competition.
Warm-weather states and competition
In warmer states, dog walking remains a year-round job, but this can also lead to higher competition among walkers. In Florida, where the hourly rate is $42.40, and there are 3,661 reported dog walkers, the large number of walkers suggests a highly competitive market, which may keep wages lower despite strong demand.
Similarly, Arizona, with an hourly rate of $43.61 and 1,796 reported walkers, sits just above the national average in both data count and pay. This may indicate that while demand for dog walking is steady, competition among walkers may limit wage growth.
This pattern suggests that in states with warm climates and large numbers of professional walkers, earnings remain stable but do not necessarily rise above national averages due to competition among service providers.
Key Takeaways:
- Year-round demand – Warm-weather states allow for consistent work, as pet owners need dog walking services throughout the year.
- High competition impacts wages – Large numbers of professional walkers in states like Florida and Arizona create a competitive market, which can keep wages from rising significantly.
- *Stable but not exceptional earnings *– Despite steady demand, dog walkers in warm climates typically earn around the national average due to competition among service providers.
- Location matters within states – Urban centers with high disposable incomes may still offer premium rates, even in competitive warm-weather states.
How Dog Walkers Reach the Average State Salary
While dog walking pays more per hour, the hours required to match the state average salary vary. In some states, high hourly wages allow dog walkers to earn a full-time income while working significantly fewer hours per week compared to standard 9-to-5 jobs.
In Alaska, where the average hourly rate is $48.53, a dog walker must work about 1,440 hours per year to match the state’s average annual salary of $69,880. This translates to under 28 hours per week, significantly lower than the standard 40-hour workweek in traditional employment.
Similarly, in Maine, where the average hourly rate is $50.20, a dog walker only needs to work about 1,195 hours per year to match the state’s average salary of $60,000, which amounts to just under 23 hours per week.
Even in lower-paying states like Alabama, dog walkers only need to work 1,315 hours annually to reach the state’s mean annual salary of $53,400. This breaks down to around 25 hours per week, making dog walking an exceptionally flexible career choice. The same holds true in Mississippi, the state with the nation’s lowest mean annual income of $47,570. There, dog walkers make $37.11 per hour, allowing them to match the state’s average salary by working just 1,282 hours per year, or roughly 24 hours per week.
The table below shows the 10 states where dog walkers can work the fewest hours to earn the state’s average salary:
| Top 10 States Where Dog Walkers Work the Fewest Weekly Hours to Match the Average Salary | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State | Hourly Dog Walking Rate | State Average Salary | Weekly Hours to Match Salary | |
| 1 | Maine | $50.20 | $60,000 | 22.98 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $37.11 | $47,570 | 24.65 |
| 3 | Montana | $43.20 | $55,920 | 24.89 |
| 4 | West Virginia | $39.76 | $52,200 | 25.25 |
| 5 | Alabama | $40.59 | $53,400 | 25.30 |
| 6 | Arkansas | $38.94 | $51,520 | 25.31 |
| 7 | New Mexico | $43.57 | $57,520 | 25.39 |
| 8 | South Carolina | $41.02 | $54,250 | 25.43 |
| 9 | Tennessee | $42.19 | $56,030 | 25.54 |
| 10 | Louisiana | $39.94 | $53,440 | 25.73 |
Is Dog Walking a Viable Career Option?
At first glance, dog walking might seem like an easy financial win. After all, the hourly pay is higher than the national average salary in all 50 states.
But is it truly a sustainable career option, or does traditional full-time employment offer more stability and long-term benefits? The answer depends on several key factors, including job security, scalability, flexibility, and financial planning.
Job stability and long-term security: Traditional employees get steady paychecks, benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions, and paid time off. Dog walkers are independent contractors, so their income depends on client demand, not a guaranteed paycheck.
Dog walking is highly competitive in some cities, and securing consistent bookings can be challenging. Traditional employment guarantees a set salary, even during slow periods, whereas gig workers must actively seek clients. Many dog walkers report fluctuations in bookings based on the season, with demand dropping in colder months when owners are more likely to walk their own dogs.
Earning potential and work flexibility: Despite uncertainty in workload, dog walking offers higher hourly pay and schedule flexibility that most traditional jobs don’t provide. This flexibility allows dog walkers to set their own schedules, take on as many or as few clients as they want, and adjust their hours based on lifestyle preferences. Unlike full-time jobs that require 40+ hours per week, some dog walkers earn a full-time salary while working only 25–30 hours per week.
The Highest Earning Dog Walkers
Celebrity dog walkers have made headlines over the years, with Annie Lever reporting that she made $150,000 a year in 2003. But this high-paid occupation can have unusual risks, as Ryan Fischer found out when he was shot during the violent dognapping of Lady Gaga’s two French bulldogs in 2021. Fortunately, he survived, and the dogs were reunited with their owner.
More recently, Ryan Stewart, a professional dog walker in New York City, reported that he makes over $100,000 a year by structuring his schedule to walk multiple dogs at once and planning his routes efficiently.
In a high-demand city, the right approach can turn dog walking into a lucrative, full-time career that pays as much—or more—than a traditional job.
That said, high hourly wages don’t always translate to higher take-home pay.
Independent dog walkers must account for business expenses, including pet liability insurance, marketing costs like advertising, business cards, website fees, transportation costs, and booking platform fees.
How Apps and Demand Are Reshaping the Industry
Dog walking has come a long way from being a casual neighborhood side gig to a booming tech-driven industry. Thanks to on-demand dog-walking apps, increased pet ownership, and growing demand for flexible pet-care services, the industry has become more structured, scalable, and accessible than ever before.
The rise of on-demand dog walking apps
Apps like Rover and Wag have completely transformed how pet owners book dog walking services. In the past, owners relied on local pet sitters, referrals, or word-of-mouth recommendations. Today, a few taps on an app can connect them with a vetted professional in minutes.
These platforms have increased accessibility for dog walkers, allowing them to reach more clients, manage schedules digitally, and process cashless transactions. As a result, many independent walkers have shifted to using these apps to scale their businesses.
A multi-billion dollar industry
According to industry reports, the U.S. dog walking industry was valued at $1.7 billion in 2024. This rapid growth is driven by urbanization, increased pet ownership, and changing work routines.
More millennials and Gen Z workers own pets than previous generations, and many are willing to spend more on pet care services. This demand is only expected to grow, with pet services outpacing growth in other gig economy sectors, including rideshare and food delivery services.
Post-pandemic demand for dog walking services
The return to in-office work has also fueled a new wave of demand for dog walkers. Many pet owners who adopted dogs during the pandemic now require reliable pet-care solutions.
In New York City alone, dog walking bookings spiked by 25% between July and September 2024. This surge reflects a broader trend, with major cities seeing increased demand for pet services as professionals spend less time at home.
Do Dog Walking Apps Affect Your Earnings?
When utilizing platforms like Rover and Wag to find customers, there are fee structures to consider as they significantly impact your net earnings.
Wag takes a whopping 40% commission on services such as walks, drop-ins, boardings, and sittings, double Rover’s 20% fee. However, both platforms allow you to set your own rates, enabling you to adjust your pricing to account for these fees.
Unlike traditional jobs, dog walkers don’t receive employer-paid benefits like health care or retirement contributions. This means they must plan for taxes, retirement savings, and emergency funds on their own.
The Business Side of Dog Walking in The Digital Age
While third-party apps provide convenient booking services, many professional walkers are moving away from platforms like Rover and Wag in favor of building their own client base.
Instead, independent dog walkers promote their services using social media, referral networks, and digital marketing. They also use their own scheduling software like SuperSaaS to streamline bookings and manage their calendars to ensure customer satisfaction.
Scheduling platforms like these are far more cost-effective as they don’t charge a fee per walk. Instead, they charge a monthly subscription, and in the case of SuperSaaS, there’s only a fee when the number of bookings exceed the maximum free version. This makes it much easier to budget as there are no unexpected financial surprises.
Walkers who successfully establish direct client relationships keep 100% of their earnings. But for those looking to take things even further, dog walking can become a thriving business.
Kristin Morrison’s career is a great example of this shift. She began working for someone else before branching out on her own, building her own client base, and expanding into a full-scale pet-care business. Over time, she hired additional walkers, diversified her services, and scaled her operations, ultimately growing her company into a million-dollar enterprise.
Her experience demonstrates that with the right strategy, dog walking can offer financial stability far beyond the typical earnings of an independent walker.
A Potentially Lucrative Career
Overall, the data confirms that dog walking offers significantly higher hourly wages than the average state salary in all 50 states.
Walkers in high-paying locations can reach six-figure annual earnings, while those in lower-paying states still out-earn the average worker. However, this conclusion doesn’t fully capture the realities of working as a professional dog walker.
Variables such as client competition, seasonal fluctuations, platform fees, and the absence of employment benefits may reduce actual take-home income.
However, for those seeking a flexible career with high earning potential, dog walking remains one of the more financially rewarding gig jobs in the U.S. Aside from the financial aspect, it’s also a great option for people who love dogs and want to avoid the typical stress that comes with an office-bound job. Instead, they get to spend the day outdoors earning a living with a whole lot of four-legged friends.