Dog walker earnings vary significantly based on location, experience, and business structure. Here's the breakdown:
Earnings by Experience Level
- Beginners (0–6 months): $15–$25 per walk, $25,000–$35,000 annually
- Intermediate (6 months–2 years): $20–$30 per walk, $35,000–$50,000 annually
- Experienced (2+ years): $25–$40+ per walk, $45,000–$65,000+ annually
Factors That Impact Earnings
- Location: Urban markets like Chicago pay 30–50% more than suburban/rural areas
- Platform fees: Rover charges providers 20% and adds an 11% fee for pet parents; Wag takes ~40% from providers; Tails takes just 10% from providers (plus a 5% pet parent booking fee) — so Tails providers keep 90%
- Client volume: Full schedules with 8–12 walks daily maximize income
- Additional services: Offering pet sitting, training, or boarding increases revenue streams
In Chicago specifically, experienced walkers charge $25–$35 per 30-minute walk and can serve 6–8 clients daily, earning $150–$280 per day or $3,000–$5,500 monthly working 5 days a week.
Ready to start earning? Join Tails as a provider and keep 90% of your earnings — Tails charges providers just 10% (pet parents pay a separate 5% booking fee), far less than Rover's 20% provider fee or Wag's ~40%. Learn more in our complete guide to dog walking careers.