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If you love dogs and want a rewarding career helping them look their best, you’ve come to the right place. 

There are more than 33,000 dog groomers in the United States — 86% of them women.¹ Dog groomers can work for a pet store, boarding facility, or in-home dog-grooming service, or they can start their own dog-grooming business. 

While groomers do not have to obtain any formal training, licensure or certification, there are options available if that’s something you want to pursue — though several current dog groomers say the training process isn’t easy and definitely isn’t for everyone.

In this post, we’ll cover: 

How much you can make as a dog groomer

What it takes to become a dog groomer

• What are the requirements or qualifications to become a dog groomer?
• How long does it take to become a dog groomer?
• How do you learn pet and/or dog grooming?
• Learn dog grooming online

How to launch a dog-grooming business

• Types of dog grooming businesses
• What equipment do you need for dog grooming?
• Tips for growing a successful dog grooming business

More than 65 million U.S. households have at least one dog,² and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts 16% job growth through 2032 for animal-related jobs (national average growth for most jobs is 5%).³

How much can dog groomers make? 

Pay varies based on location, experience, education, and services offered. According to ZipRecruiter, entry-level dog groomers can make $34 per hour or more (that’s $72,000 annually).⁴ The national average is $23 per hour, or $47,659 annually.⁵

Dog groomers on Reddit report earning between $30,000 and $80,000 per year working full-time when they were just starting out:

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However, some dog groomers say that in recent years, they are struggling to find higher-paying gigs: 

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Of course, salaries vary based on whether you work for a company or go into business for yourself. At a company like PetSmart, you’ll earn base pay and commission, plus tips from customers. 

Glassdoor reviewers say that full-time PetSmart employees can earn 50% commissions as groomers.⁶ That means that as a PetSmart dog groomer, you stand to make up to $28 per hour with a rate of $20 per hour as base pay and $8 per hour in commissions and tips.⁷ That works out to $1,120 per week or $58,240 annually.

Most dog groomers report earning more over time:

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Then there are success stories like Gabriel Feitosa, who made more than $1 million at his dog-grooming salon in San Diego. Feitosa provides specialty grooming services, using nontraditional cutting techniques and animal-safe dyes to give dogs a unique look, but also offers regular grooming:

If you go into business for yourself, or start dog grooming as a side hustle, you can set your own price as you grow your experience and clientele. Of course, running your own business also means you’ll have to pay for grooming equipment and supplies. 

Startup costs will vary, depending on the quality of the equipment you purchase.

According to a self-employed dog groomer on Reddit, these are some must-have items and  you can expect to pay for them: 

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The Girl With The Dogs YouTube channel gives a great overview of how to become a pet groomer, including the tools you’ll need and how much money you can make:

What do you need to become a dog groomer?

Here’s what it takes to become a dog groomer: 

What are the requirements or qualifications to become a dog groomer?

You don’t need a degree to become a dog groomer. You do, however, need to learn the craft. It’s best to take classes to learn how to groom dogs and then spend time practicing with a mentor.

Grooming sessions may include:

• Brushing 
• Bathing
• Cutting or trimming a dog’s fur
• Trimming nails
• Removing excess hair and debris from paws
• Cleaning ears
• Deshedding
• Checking for fleas, parasites and skin issues
• Brushing teeth

Groomers might also provide creative grooming techniques like dying a dog’s fur with animal-safe coloring products or adding accessories like bows or bandanas. 

I spoke to a dog groomer named Randi V., who started a dog grooming business in 1995, learning hands-on from a groomer that had her own shop in California. When she first got started, there were no certificate programs.

“I started my business slowly over time while I was working at other grooming shops.” says Randi, who runs her business out of her home.

She says prospective groomers need to enjoy working with dogs and have a lot of patience.

“Communication is also very important to understand what the owner desires for the groom and what you can achieve,” Randi says. “Sometimes the condition of the dog’s coat is not ideal for what the owner wants because it is too tangled or matted. The groomer needs to be able to explain this to the owner kindly.”

Is there a pet grooming certification? Do dog groomers need a license?

Dog groomers aren’t required by law to obtain a license or certification. However, a certification can make you stand out from the competition and make your clients feel confident in your dog-grooming abilities. Plus, you will learn skills and techniques that make you better at your job, and help you grow your business. 

You can get grooming certifications from entities like:

• The National Dog Groomers Association of America
• American Kennel Club
• International Society of Canine Cosmetologists

Zakayla Riley, owner of Pawpin’ Pawz Luxury Mobile Grooming in Cincinnati, Ohio, believes in learning as much as possible. She has been in business for two years and still attends classes, seminars, and pet-grooming trade shows annually. 

Riley is a graduate of the Paragon School of Pet Grooming, is certified in pet first aid and CPR from Barkleigh Productions, and has an American Kennel Club S.A.F.E. Handling certification. She plans to become a certified pet esthetician in the future.

How long does it take to become a dog groomer?

Depending on where you train, grooming programs take anywhere from four months to one year to complete, Riley says.

Here are some options and timeframes to consider:

• Petco’s grooming 800-hour certification course takes 20 weeks to complete, after you land a job as a pet groomer for the company (you don’t pay for it)
• Animal Behavior College teaching dog grooming with a one-year curriculum starting at $3,499 with payment plan options
• Paragon School of Pet Grooming has a five-week course starting at $1,029 

Once you learn the basics, you need a place to grow and hone your skills.

“I highly recommend that new groomers start out in a shop where they can gain hands-on experience from a more seasoned groomer,” Riley says. “Dog grooming is a highly skilled and ever-changing field.” 

How do you learn pet and/or dog grooming?

Randi says these days, there are lots of options to learn dog grooming:

• Grooming schools: Check your area for dog-grooming schools that offer in-person training and an opportunity to work with dogs to earn a certification
• Online training: If you want to learn online at home or need a flexible schedule, there are multiple options for virtual dog grooming instruction
• On-the-job training: Large companies like Petco and PetSmart and smaller companies and private groomers offer hands-on training for practical learning

Sarah Kieffer, owner of Lady’s Paws in Collins, Ohio, provides grooming and boarding services for dogs. She’s been in business since 2017 and started learning grooming at a shop while she was studying to be a vet tech at Stautzenberger College. 

“I fell in love with it,” she says. “Who doesn’t love dogs?”

As a single mom of three at the time, she decided to leave school and bathe dogs full time. Through this experience, she began to learn grooming techniques from groomers at the shops she supported and gained enough knowledge to eventually open her own shop.

Hands on, in-person dog grooming classes

One thing is clear: In choosing a path to learning, you need to have hands-on experience working with dogs. You can search online for dog grooming training “near me” to find programs in your area.

Hands-on training has several benefits:

• Quickly learn whether dog grooming is for you
• Helps you understand what is expected
• Get a true feel for what it takes to groom a dog
• Learn how to handle different types of dogs
• Ask questions and get answers in real time

Of course, full-time in-person training isn’t for everyone:

• Have to attend classes in person at set times
• Less time flexibility than a self-guided online course
• May have to find child care to attend class

“There are techniques to learn how to properly handle an unruly dog so you and it stay safe,” Randi says of in-person training. Your instructor will teach you these techniques in a classroom setting, and Randi says you can also watch videos online from experienced groomers to learn helpful tips to add to your knowledge.

This video by AnimalWised, a community of animal experts including veterinarians, dog trainers and groomers, shows the basic techniques of grooming a dog:

Learn dog grooming online

Learning dog grooming online is a great option if you want to learn the skills but don’t have an in-person training program nearby or can’t fit the class times into your schedule. However, it is best if you also have a mentor nearby to help you practice your skills in real life.

If you’re looking for an online dog grooming program, you’ll find there are multiple options to choose from at different price points.

For example, Udemy offers a 4.5-hour self-paced video course.⁷ While this course is geared toward pet owners who want to groom their own dogs, it can give you a foundational look at what is involved for just $19.99 with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Should you decide you want to go forward and learn pet grooming as a business, you can invest in a credible school that offers a full dog-grooming training program. 

Here are some schools that offer pet grooming:

Animal Behavior College

Animal Behavior College (ABC) is A+ rated with the BBB and has 55,000+ graduates to its credit. The school offers online training as well as in-person training at more than 11,000 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

ABC training starts at $3,499 and includes mentorship and support, lifetime access to online curriculum, a 30-piece grooming kit, and flexible scheduling for classes. They also provide tuition assistance and student financing options.

The ABC Online Pet Grooming Program offers a multi-stage training approach that covers topics like:

• Grooming techniques
• Grooming tools and products
• Breed profiles and styling
• Health and safety
• Clipper and scissor use

As you progress through the program, you also learn career building skills and will complete hands-on training before taking your final exam.

However, several dog groomers on Reddit and groomers I spoke to for this article say this program does not properly prepare people for a career in dog grooming. 

Nash Academy of Animal Arts

Nash Academy is A+ rated with the BBB, accredited since 1993, and has been operating since 1979. Based in Lexington, Ky., the school offers self-study and instructor-led online training as well as onsite instruction in:

• Kentucky
• Virginia
• Iow
• Pennsylvania
• New Jersey
• Indiana
• Maryland

Nash Academy training starts at $340 for a self-guided online course and final examination in dog grooming.

The training program offers all technical skills required for a professional dog groomer, including:

• Prepping, bathing and drying
• Brushing and finishing
• Carding
• Hand stripping
• Thinning
• Clipping and scissoring
• Dematting
• Safety procedures

You can choose a diploma program or get specific certifications.

Paragon School of Pet Grooming

Rated A+ with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the school has been around since 1991 and boasts a 95% placement rate for graduates in dog-grooming careers. 

Paragon training includes access to an online study guide, one-on-one mentorship, video lessons, and tests.

The school bases its teaching on American Kennel Club grooming standards and offers four levels of training starting at $199:

• Nails and Ears Technician ($199): Teaches skills to care for a dog’s ears and nails including safety, sanitation, pet handling, product use, and how to properly trim and file nails and clean ears
• Level 1 Groom Tech ($1,029): Includes the Nails and Ears Technician curriculum and provides a foundational education on pet grooming covering everything from from grooming techniques to customer service and canine psychology
• Level 2 Pet Groomer ($1,029): Builds on Level 1 Groom Tech, teaching skills that are necessary while working in a pet grooming salon such as basic styling, scissoring skills, pet first aid and CPR, and pet health 
• Level 3 Pet Stylist ($1,029): Offers advanced training to gain practical skills like breed-specific trims, corrective grooming, and how to communicate with clients 

There is an additional cost for required textbooks ($210). You may also purchase grooming supplies from Paragon or elsewhere. Paragon’s grooming kits start at $395.

How do you launch a new dog grooming business?

A good resource for starting any business is your local U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office. According to SBA, you must take time to understand:

• Whether there is a need for your services where you live
• Your plan for operating your business
• The startup and ongoing costs for your business
• Where your business will operate
• The legal structure for your business
• How to register your business
• Federal and state tax IDs
• Any necessary permits or licenses
• Setting up a business bank account⁸

Plus, there are other things to consider, such as how you will promote your business and attract clients. Kieffer, owner of Lady’s Paws in Collins, Ohio, started out grooming for family and friends and would post the grooming pictures on Facebook and Instagram to get exposure.

Types of dog grooming businesses

Next, you’ll need to decide how you want to offer your services, as there are several types of dog grooming business models:

In your home

Do you have room to groom dogs at home? If so, consider providing this service where you live. It’s an ideal choice for a stay-at-home profession, especially if you love dogs.

Randi made the choice to launch her home-based dog grooming business after 24 years of experience. She’s been in business for herself for the last four years. She offers one-on-one services for each dog and gains customers through referrals and word of mouth.

“I decided to work for myself because I wanted to be able to control how many dogs a day I did and what hours and days I worked,” she says. “I have always loved animals, especially dogs, so dog grooming has been a great career for me.”

Pros:

• No commute (saves on gas)
• Flexible schedule
• Low overhead
• Can offer one-to-one service
• Control over grooming clients per day

Cons:

• No separation of work and home
• May have to make home improvements to meet strict city/county laws to operate the business

Mobile

This is the model Riley chose after starting her career in a busy, fast-paced corporate environment with a large volume of dogs.

“I thoroughly enjoyed working with the dogs who needed more time and attention, but being in such a busy environment did not allow for the chance or opportunity to teach these dogs that grooming is safe and can actually be enjoyable,” she says. 

She decided to start doing house call grooming when she launched, bringing all of her equipment to clients’ homes. She groomed dogs in kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, bedrooms — anywhere the client had space. Her low expenses enabled her to save up to purchase a mobile grooming trailer a year later.

Riley says she loves her business model because it allows her to offer one-on-one care, decrease stress for the dog, and offers a change of scenery. She can listen to podcasts or ebooks or even sing without anyone telling her to be quiet. In short, she has freedom.

Pros:

• Get to travel to different places
• Flexible schedule
• Low overhead (unless you buy a grooming truck up front)
• Can offer one-to-one service
• Control over grooming clients per day

Cons:

• Mobile grooming trucks are expensive and require upkeep
• Must carry all equipment with you

Storefront

Do you want to work at a storefront? This could be a good solution if you don’t have space at home or would prefer to separate your career from where you live. Depending on where you work, you may have to bring your own supplies.

Choosing this path, you’ll have an opportunity to earn commission and tips for the work you do. You’ll have access to spaces to bathe and groom dogs, so you won’t have to find a place to do your work. However, stores can be busy, and your schedule might not be as flexible.

Pros:

• Shop offers and maintains equipment
• Can separate home and work life

Cons:

• Often don’t have schedule flexibility
• Earnings may be capped depending on where you work

What equipment do you need for dog grooming?

Having the right equipment for dog grooming is essential. Prices vary, but a quick look at Amazon and stores like PetEdge offers a ballpark range for what you can expect to pay.  At a minimum, you’ll need:

• Grooming table ($35-$850)
• Stainless steel tub ($350-$1,000)
• Bathing system ($599-$700)
• Scissors and shears ($10-$40)
• Hair clippers, blades, and guard comb sets ($20-$100)
• Greyhound-style comb ($15-$40)
• High-velocity blow dryer for pets ($79-$190)
• Nail clippers, and files ($5-$30)
• Brushes and combs ($5-$40)
• Pet-safe cleansing products ($5-$40)
• Harness/hammock ($12-$50)
• Vacuum suitable for pet hair removal ($60-$999) 

“Don’t buy cheap equipment,” Randi says. “Getting proper clippers, blades, and shears are a must.” She says that using quality equipment helps dogs to look their best. 

Randi gets most of her supplies from Petedge.com or Ryan’s Pet Supplies. For cleanup and bathing, she recommends the Hanvey HairVac and either a recirculating or hydro surge bathing system because, although pricey, they save so much time.

The Hanvey HairVac starts at $999.99 on Petedge.com and bathing systems can run you $500 and up. Prices vary depending on where you purchase your equipment or the brand, but this thread on Reddit shares helpful tips on what to buy and from where:

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Tips for growing a successful dog grooming business

With more than 20 years of experience in the dog-grooming industry, Amy Leigh, owner of Go Groomer in Richland, Pa., knows what it takes to grow a business. She launched her dog grooming business in 2003, after a layoff from a 12-year career in the print industry. She wanted a flexible career that would allow her to take care of her son, who was a first grader at the time.

“I used to take my little dog to a groomer, and I wished that I could just stare through a peephole the whole time,” she says. “I was just fascinated by what she did.”

Drawn to the profession, she started out as a grooming apprentice, eventually launching her own home-based grooming salon. Now, she uses her expertise to teach pet owners how to properly groom their dogs at home through online tutorials on her Go Groomer YouTube channel. 

She launched the channel in 2018 as a side project while she was still grooming. Grooming is physically demanding, so she was looking for a way to continue to share her love of grooming and earn a solid income without having to tend to multiple dogs each day. Today, Leigh’s following of nearly 200,000 subscribers has parlayed into a full-time career online. 

“My audience is all over the world,” Leigh says. “I’m getting paid to help people with a smile, and I love it.”

She offers the following tips for growing a successful dog grooming business:

1. Learn everything you can

Learning never stops. Look for every opportunity to hone your craft as a dog groomer. Leigh says the more you build your knowledge base, the more confident you will be. 

She recommends groomers:

• Attend yearly dog grooming trade shows and seminars
• Seek certifications to enhance credibility in the marketplace
• Approach businesses that breed show dogs and offer to help them prepare dogs for show for free so you can watch and learn expert tips on grooming
• Read about dog grooming from experts or listen to audiobooks (Though out of print, she says “From Problems to Profits: The Madson Management System for Pet Grooming Businesses” by Madeline Bright Ogle, Ph.D., is a must read if you can get a copy)

However, you shouldn’t limit your education to dog grooming, Leigh says, but also learn all you can about business. Business-focused books and resources like the Small Business Administration, SCORE,¹¹ and other local business groups can be helpful, she says.

2. Upgrade your services and prices

When you stay on top of what’s available in terms of tools, techniques, and equipment, you can bring more services and care to your clients. That also means you can raise your prices to generate more revenue.

“Dog groomers are so busy when they work, they often forget to try to upgrade their business,” Leigh says. “I always saved up for the next big thing that I knew would make the grooming experience better for the dog.”

Therapeutic tables, bathing systems, and other high-tech equipment can cost thousands of dollars. However, they improve the level of service you can offer, as do training certifications.

“You’ve increased your education, so give yourself a raise,” Leigh says. “Don’t forget to do that. It’s important.”

Leigh says dog groomers who want to expand should focus on the level of care they provide by explaining the services they offer and what it takes to offer those services. Let your clients know that you have invested in their pet and clearly communicate price increases to match the new level of service. 

You can also stand out by incorporating wellness-focused add-ons into your grooming packages. Many groomers now recommend immune-support routines as part of overall coat and skin health. Offering guidance on immune supplements, such as those from Pup Labs, can position your services as more holistic and premium.

3. Connect with your community

“Your community needs you as a groomer,” she says. “Once they know you’re there, and they know you do a good job because they talked to a mom who took Fluffy there, they’ll come, too.” 

Word of mouth is a powerful tool. To raise awareness about your business in your community, Leigh says it’s a good idea to host community events. Periodically, she would advertise a nail social in her local community newspaper, inviting pet owners to bring their dogs for nails-only service.

By doing this, it gave people an opportunity to see her work and built a comfort level for them to try other services.

4. Schedule services

When you get a new client, set the expectation that they must commit to a schedule of services. This is a good way to maintain the grooming and keep clients coming back on a consistent basis. Her preference is to provide services every eight weeks or less. Even if the client only wants nail trimming, keep it on a schedule.

“Have a relationship with your client, and they are going to highly recommend you to other people,” Leigh says.

Dog grooming not for you? Check out our posts on other profitable careers and businesses:

• 12 business ideas for moms
• How to become a doula and get certified
• How to become a home health aide
• How to become a medical biller and coder
• 8 free online childcare training courses
• How to learn graphic design
• How to become a proofreader
• How to become a truck driver
• How to start a bookkeeping business
• No background check jobs
• Six-figure jobs
• 11 quick job certifications that pay well
• Best 28 jobs for single moms

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SOURCES

1. “Pet groomer Demographics and Statistics in the US.” July 21, 2023. Zippia. https://www.zippia.com/pet-groomer-jobs/demographics/
2. “Number of pet owning households in the United States in 2023, by species (in millions).” August 29, 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/198095/pets-in-the-united-states-by-type-in-2008/
3. “Animal Care and Service Workers.” September 6, 2023. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/animal-care-and-service-workers.htm
4. “How Much Do Dog Groomer Jobs Pay per Hour?” January 16, 2024. ZipRecruiter. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/DOG-Groomer-Salary-per-Hour#Hourly
5. “How Much Do Dog Groomer Jobs Pay per Hour?” January 16, 2024. ZipRecruiter. https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/DOG-Groomer-Salary-per-Hour#Hourly
6. “What are sales commissions like at PetSmart?” Glassdoor. https://www.glassdoor.com/FAQ/PetSmart-Question-FAQ200069-E2375.htm
7. “PetSmart Dog Groomer Hourly Pay.” GlassDoor. https://www.glassdoor.com/Hourly-Pay/PetSmart-Dog-Groomer-Hourly-Pay-E2375_D_KO9,20.htm
8. “Learn how to groom your dog at home!” Udemy. https://www.udemy.com/course/learn-how-to-groom-your-dog-at-home/
9. “10 steps to start your business.” U.S. Small Business Administration. https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/10-steps-start-your-business
10. “Sizing Up the Competition: How to Conduct Competitive Research” February 25, 2019. U.S. Chamber of Commerce. https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/how-to-conduct-competitive-research
11. “Small Business Success Starts Here” https://score.org

If you’ve been thinking about selling plasma as a way to make some extra cash, you’re not alone. According to a Western Michigan University study,¹ more than 53 million people donated plasma in 2019 alone.

However, there are some things you should know before visiting your nearest plasma center: 

1. Not everyone can donate plasma
2. There are some health risks involved
3. You might not earn a consistent amount

Brenden S., 34, of Chicago, says he started donating plasma twice a week starting in 2019 and continued to do so for nearly two years as a way to make some extra money. Brenden says he earned between $50 and $200 per session, depending on promotions run by the donation company.

While he says the process was initially simple — he just sat and watched movies on his phone while he was donating — he stopped going after several difficult sticks by the medical staff that left him bruised and another occasion where he passed out. 

“Overall, it was worth it for the short-term financial gain, but I’m happy to have moved past it,” Brenden says.  

If you’re considering donating plasma, keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about plasma donation so you can decide if it’s right for you:

About donating plasma

• What is blood plasma? 
• Is donating blood the same as donating plasma? 
• If you are getting paid for plasma donation, is it really a donation? 
• Is it safe to donate plasma?
• How much do you get for plasma?
• Can you get paid more for different blood types? 

Where can you sell plasma for money?

Who can sell plasma?

Plasma donation process

• What should you bring when you donate plasma? 

How often can you sell blood plasma?

About donating plasma

Before you donate plasma, here’s what you need to know: 

What is blood plasma? 

According to the American Red Cross,² at its most basic level, plasma is the liquid portion of blood, which makes up about 55% of a person’s total blood volume. The remaining 45% is a mix of platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells suspended in the plasma. Plasma is 92% water combined with vital proteins.

Plasma serves four main functions within the human body:

• Carries electrolytes such as potassium and sodium to our muscles
• Helps maintain blood pressure and blood volume
• Helps maintain a proper pH balance in the body, which supports cell function
• Supplies critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity

Plasma donations are administered to burn, shock, and trauma patients, as well as to people with multiple clotting factor deficiencies or severe liver disease. Plasma is used to prevent blood clotting and shock and is also used in treatments for bleeding disorders and immune deficiencies.

Is donating blood the same as donating plasma? 

Donating blood and donating blood plasma are two different things. According to the Red Cross, whole blood donation is the most flexible type of donation because it can be used in multiple ways: 

• Transferred in its original form as whole blood
• Separated into plasma, platelets, and red blood cells

During plasma donation, plasma is separated from the platelets and red blood cells, which are returned to the donor’s body.

If you are getting paid for plasma donation, is it really a donation? 

While you can make money selling plasma, the payment is in exchange for your time, not necessarily the plasma itself, since the process to extract plasma can take about an hour. 

“Donating plasma is a gift,” says Jessica Jennings, Senior Regional Director of Octapharma Plasma, which operates more than 170 donation centers across the U.S.³ She says donors are paid for their time as an incentive, but any income earned from plasma donations is tax-free for the individual donating.

Is it safe to donate plasma?

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services,⁴ donating plasma does not cause side effects for most people, though some donors may experience:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Dehydration
• Dizziness/lightheadedness
• Fainting

HHS advises people to drink water after donation, eat iron-rich foods, and rest. For more severe reactions, they recommend seeking medical attention.

How much does plasma donation pay?

So how much can you get for donating plasma? That depends on several factors, including:

• Where you live
• How much you weigh
• Where you donate
• How frequently you donate
• Local promotions

After researching payouts at several blood plasma donation centers, we found that most pay between $50 and $100 per session in your first month. CSL Plasma⁵ claims people can make more than $700 in their first month. 

However, several Reddit users say payouts decrease after the first month. One user recommends switching between multiple donation centers to take advantage of introductory rates, which tend to be higher to get you in the door: 

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Another person recommended taking a 6-month break to restart promotions: 

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Can you get paid more for different blood types? 

Although you cannot get paid more for having a specific blood type, the American Red Cross⁶ says AB blood donations are in higher demand, since AB is the only universal plasma, meaning it can be given to patients of any blood type.

AB plasma can be administered to patients immediately, which saves time in critical situations. 

Where can you donate plasma?

If you want to donate blood plasma for money, these are some donation centers that have locations across the United States:

• American Red Crossc 
• Biolife Health & Wellness
• Biomat
• CSL Plasma
• Grifols
• Octapharma
• One Blood
• Talecris

Find a plasma donation center near you:

Donating plasma requirements

There are standard requirements for plasma donation, and some donation centers may have additional regulations. According to HHS,⁴ plasma donors should be:

• At least 18
• Not have gotten a tattoo or piercing within the last 4 months
• Pass a medical exam and complete an extensive medical screening, including testing negative for hepatitis and HIV
• Weigh at least 110 pounds

Each donor is also screened to make sure they are healthy and eligible to donate plasma. This health screening includes a review of medical history and an in-depth health questionnaire. This process can take over an hour for the first visit, though health checks for subsequent visits take less time. 

Jennings says if you are taking certain medications, including some antibiotics, have any medical conditions, or have recently undergone certain medical procedures, you may not be eligible to donate. She recommends contacting your local donation center ahead of time if you have a condition that might affect your eligibility.

Jennings says these are some conditions that could disqualify you from donating: 

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Diabetes
• Organ or bone marrow transplant
• Any major issues with the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys. 

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible to donate plasma. Jennings says women can typically start donating again 6 to 12 months after delivery, including C-section births, miscarriages, or pregnancy terminations.

“You should consult your doctor about when it is safe to begin donating again,” Jennings says.

Plasma donation process

To have the best experience possible, HHS recommends following these tips before you donate plasma:

• Drink plenty of water — according to Giving = Living,⁵ an HHS site, plasma donation can reduce blood volume by about 32 ounces
• Avoid caffeine 2-3 hours before your appointment
• Eat a healthy, low-fat meal
• Avoid nicotine and alcohol
• Dress comfortably and wear a short-sleeved shirt or one with sleeves that can be rolled above the elbow
• Drink plenty of water. Eat healthy, especially protein-rich and iron-rich foods a few days leading up to plasma donation
• Sleep well the night before

While each center has its own process for screening donors and collecting plasma donations, this is what you can generally expect: 

1. After you check in at the donation center, you’ll undergo a health screening that includes taking your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. If it’s your first time going, you’ll be given a health screening and physical exam. Jennings said this exam is repeated on a yearly basis to make sure you are still eligible to donate. 
2. Once you’re approved to donate, you’ll be set up at a plasmapheresis machine, a specialized medical device that collects whole blood from a vein in your arm. It separates out the plasma and returns the remaining blood components — red and white blood cells and platelets — to your body. 
3. Like whole blood donation, a needle is used to access your vein. During the plasma donation process, you may be given a saline solution or oral fluids to replenish the lost fluid in your body. Plasma center staff will monitor you throughout the process to make sure you are comfortable and safe. The donation process takes about an hour.
4. Once the plasma donation is complete, you’ll be asked to stay at the facility for about 10-15 minutes to make sure you are well hydrated and feeling well enough to travel home.
5. Staff will show you how to care for your bandage and provide a few at-home instructions/symptoms to watch out for. Jennings recommends continuing to drink water and eating a small meal after donation to restore energy levels. 

What should you bring when you donate plasma? 

If you’re donating plasma, you may need to provide: 

• Government-issued ID
• Proof of address (driver’s license or utility bill)
• Proof of social security number (pay stub, social security card, or a W-2 form)

To avoid being turned away, call the donation center ahead of your scheduled appointment to verify what documents they require.

Answers to FAQs about plasma donation for cash

If you’re thinking about donating plasma, here are some things you should know:

How old do you have to be to donate plasma? 

You must be at least 18 years old to donate plasma. Most centers also have age cutoffs, typically between 65 and 75. 

Can you donate plasma if you have tattoos? How long after tattoos can you donate plasma? 

Jennings says you can donate plasma if you have tattoos, but you must typically wait at least four months after getting a new tattoo or piercing to donate again. 

Can you donate plasma if you take medication or do drugs? What are some common medications that would disqualify you from donating plasma?

Jennings says you cannot donate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. According to the Red Cross, most medications will not disqualify you from donating blood, though the conditions they treat might.⁶

Can you donate plasma if you are sick? 

Even if you have a mild cold, being sick will prevent you from donating plasma, at least until a few days after you are feeling well again. 

Can you donate plasma if you are obese? 

You can donate plasma as long as you are at least 110 pounds and in relatively good health. If you are concerned about weight, contact your local plasma donation center to see if they have any maximum weight limits.

Do plasma centers test blood for drugs? 

Yes, most centers will test your blood for drugs. Jennings says Octapharma tests all plasma two times for certain drugs, blood type, and atypical antibodies before it is used for lifesaving measures, medicines, and therapies.

Can you donate plasma after surgery? How long should you wait after surgery until you can safely donate plasma again? 

Depending on the type of procedure, individuals recovering from surgery may be required to wait several months before donating plasma. You should consult with your doctor before heading to a donation center.

How often can you donate blood plasma? 

According to HHS, the maximum plasma donation frequency is once in a two-day period and no more than twice in a 7-day period. Jennings says eligible donors can donate plasma up to twice a week, with two full days between donations.

The bottom line of donating plasma for money – is it worth it? 

While payouts vary by location and depending on current promotions, if you donate plasma twice per week at $50 per donation, you stand to make an extra $400 per month, which is a pretty good side hustle. 

Jennings says donating plasma is a valuable, life-saving act and can only be sourced from human donations, noting that it takes 1,200 donations to treat one hemophiliac for a year.

“Every donation has an impact, and we are tremendously grateful for all of them,” she says. 

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SOURCES

1. “The Interlinkage between Blood Plasma Donation and Poverty i the United States,” June 2021. The Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare: Volume 48 Issue 2. https://sites.fordschool.umich.edu/poverty2021/files/2022/07/Blood-Plasma-and-Poverty.pdf
2. “The Importance Of Plasma In Blood,” American Red Cross. https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/dlp/plasma-information.html
3. “Find Your Plasma Donation Center,” Octapharma Plasma. https://www.octapharmaplasma.com/plasma-donation-centers/
4. “Give Plasma,” Office of Infectious Disease and HIV/AIDS Policy. Departments of Health and Human Services. https://www.hhs.gov/oidp/topics/blood-tissue-safety/giving-plasma/index.html
5. “Donation Rewards at CSL Plasma,” CSL Plasma. https://www.cslplasma.com/be-rewarded