How Much Do Pooper Scoopers Make? Income Potential Guide

Pooper scoopers can make anywhere from $15 an hour to well over six figures a year. But it all depends on solo working or building a full-blown service team. Yes, really. With low startup costs, recurring revenue, and next-to-zero competition, dog poop removal might be the most overlooked money-making gig in America.

Whether you’re curious about side hustles or dreaming of ditching your 9–5, here’s what you should know:

• Entry-level scoopers often out-earn lawn care and gig apps, with way less stress.
• Route efficiency can turn a part-time grind into $3K/month or more.
• The real money? $10K–$15K/month solo, or $200K+ if you scale.
• Startup costs? Less than a decent gaming console.

That’s where Poo Squad comes in. We’ve helped everyday folks, parents, retirees, and even teens build poop-powered businesses that actually change lives. With branded trucks, route tech, and done-for-you tools, we make it easier to scoop smarter, not harder.

Keep reading to learn exactly how much pooper scoopers make, what separates the winners from the wannabes, and how you can get started today, even if you’ve never picked up a poop in your life.

Pooper Scooper Income: Real Numbers from the Field

Average Hourly & Annual Earnings

Most online sources estimate entry-level scoopers average around $15/hour. ZipRecruiter backs that up, and Salary.com shows top W-2 earners nearing $40K/year. But here’s the catch: those numbers barely scratch the surface.

Independent scoopers routinely charge $20+ per visit, netting $12–$15/hour after expenses like gas and supplies. With smart route planning, even part-timers often earn more than local lawn crews or DoorDash drivers, with way more schedule control and far fewer backseat fries.

Solo Operators Hitting $10K–$15K/Month

The big money comes when you stack recurring clients and tighten your routes. With an average of $100/month per household, a full solo route (100–150 clients) can gross $10K–$15K/month.

And you don’t have to go full-time. Many scoopers work evenings or weekends, hitting $1K–$3K/month in part-time profit, all with a rake, a bucket, and a game plan.

Scaling with a Team (or Franchise)

Once your routes are full, the next logical step is delegation. Hire five scoopers, and you could be staring down $75K/month in gross revenue. Even after payroll, gear, and admin costs, healthy margins are very doable.

Companies like Swoop Scoop are reportedly pulling in $200K/month with small teams and smart systems.

Same here at Poo Squad.

Our franchisees use proven tools, marketing systems, branded trucks, and route tech to scale faster, with fewer growing pains.

What Impacts How Much a Pooper Scooper Makes?

Pooper scooper income isn’t one-size-fits-all; it depends on strategy, service quality, and your tolerance for the less glamorous stuff.

Pricing That Pays

Subscription pricing ($30–$100/month) is the sweet spot for steady income. First-time cleanups? Charge more; they’re always messier. Want to boost profits? Add sanitizing, deodorizing, or dog walking. Just don’t race to the bottom; undervaluing your time leads to burnout.

Route Density = Profit

Too much driving kills margins. Build routes by zip code, not randomness. A tight neighborhood route beats scattered stops every time. Referrals help fill in clusters, and smart tech (like Poo Squad’s tools) automates routing, billing, and reminders.

Weather, Waste & Weird Rules

Rain or heat, the job still happens, and that’s why it pays. But beware: some HOAs don’t allow poop in their bins. Many clients don’t want it there anyway. The fix? Haul it out yourself. It’s gross, but it keeps customers happy.

Who Is This Business Really For? (And Who It’s Not)

Pooper scooping isn’t for everyone, but for the right person, it’s one of the most overlooked and rewarding paths to financial freedom. The beauty of this business is how easily it molds to your lifestyle, your goals, and your schedule.

Let’s break it down clearly:

Best For	Avoid If
Entrepreneurs wanting a low-cost entry	You hate working outdoors
Stay-at-home parents with free hours	You can’t handle dog waste
Gig workers seeking stable clients	You want passive income only
Ex–blue–collar workers ready for independence	You refuse to use tech or route tools
Pet lovers wanting profit with purpose	You hate dogs (obviously)

This business thrives when the owner cares about doing things right, clean tools, strong communication, and consistent scheduling. If that sounds like you, you’ve got a massive head start on 90% of the market.

From Idea to Income: Start Your Own Pooper Scooper Business

You’ve seen the income potential. Now here’s how to make it real, whether you’re scooping solo, testing the waters part-time, or going all-in with a full-fledged brand.

Step-by-Step Launch Guide

Starting a dog poop removal business is refreshingly straightforward. Here’s how to go from idea to income:

1. Pick your niche: Decide if you’re targeting residential clients, commercial properties, or launching with a franchise like Poo Squad. Each path offers different levels of scale, flexibility, and support.
2. Choose your name, get insurance: Pick a memorable, trustworthy brand name (quirky is okay; clean is better). Grab liability insurance to protect your business and give clients peace of mind.
3. Test your market: Use door hangers, Facebook Marketplace, or neighborhood groups to get your first clients. You don’t need a huge ad budget, just local visibility and a clear offer.
4. Launch with incentives and tight routes: Offer a discount or a free week for referrals. Then build your schedule around zip codes, not randomness. Efficiency = profit.

With this basic blueprint, many new scoopers land their first 10 clients within two weeks.

Tools to Maximize Efficiency

Once you’re scooping, tech and branding make a huge difference in how fast (and profitably) you grow.

• Scheduling apps like Jobber, Sweep&Go, or Poo Squad’s internal tools help you optimize routes, automate reminders, and manage billing from one dashboard.
• CRM tools let you track clients, send updates, and manage retention. This matters more than you think when your client count starts climbing.
• Branded uniforms and safety gear not only look professional but also build trust, especially when entering backyards or walking onto private property.
• QR-coded pet tags, like Poo Squad’s signature Pet Profiles™, offer a premium customer experience. They link directly to a pet’s name, preferences, and pickup schedule, building loyalty through thoughtful, health-conscious service.

Start scrappy. Then scale smart.

Ready to Scoop? Why Poo Squad Might Be Your Best Next Step

Poo Squad gives you a faster, smarter way to grow. We’ve taken everything that works: route planning, client management, branding, and training. And wrapped it into a franchise model designed for everyday go-getters. You don’t need industry experience, just the drive to build something meaningful (and a willingness to take a little crap, literally).

With branded trucks, proven route technology, and a dedicated support team, you’re not just another pooper scooper. Instead, you’re running a polished, professional operation from day one.

Our approach builds loyalty through:

• 8 am service reminders that keep clients informed
• Professional sanitation protocols so every visit is safe and clean
• No customer trash usage, keeping their space and your reputation spotless

Why Work With Poo Squad

Starting a pooper scooper business on your own is totally doable, but why go it alone when there’s already a proven system that helps people hit six figures faster (and with fewer headaches)? Same here. That’s exactly why so many operators are choosing Poo Squad instead of starting from scratch.

Here’s what makes us the go-to choice for aspiring and growing scoopers:

• Proven Playbook: Skip the rookie mistakes. Our tested pricing, marketing, and route planning systems are built from real-world experience, not theory.
• Branded Trucks & Uniforms: You don’t just look legit, you are legit. Our fleet and gear make you instantly recognizable and trustworthy.
• Time-Saving Tech: Automated service reminders, optimized route planning, and billing tools keep you efficient and clients happy.
• Real Training & Support: You’re not just handed a logo and left to figure it out. We guide you with everything from onboarding to growth strategy.
• Premium Experience Built-In: Pet Profiles™, poop report cards, and professional sanitation practices help you deliver service that actually stands out.

When you join Poo Squad, you’re not just starting a side hustle. But you’re stepping into a brand that’s already done the hard work of building trust, loyalty, and momentum. Let’s make scooping your smartest career move ever. 

FAQ

You’ve seen the numbers and the potential, but what about the real-world concerns people are searching for before jumping into the business? These are the questions people are asking and the honest answers based on what actually works.

Is Pooper Scooping a Good Business?

Absolutely, especially for people who value flexibility, independence, and service. It’s low-cost, always in demand, and surprisingly rewarding.

Many scoopers enter the business not because they planned to, but because another company failed to deliver. Missed appointments, poor communication, or left-behind messes frustrated clients enough to inspire them to launch their own, better-run service.

If you can show up reliably, communicate well, and take the job seriously, you’ll already be ahead of much of the competition.

How Much Do People Charge for Poo Picking?

Pricing depends on the area and the job, but most scoopers charge between $30 and $70/month for weekly service. Have a client with three Great Danes on a half-acre lot? That’s going to cost more than one Shih Tzu in a condo backyard.

For high-volume or commercial contracts, the stakes and income are even higher. Some scoopers make $30,000/year from just one apartment complex or dog park.

It’s not just about scooping poop. It’s about understanding the value you provide and charging accordingly.

Can You Make Money Cleaning Up Dog Poop?

You can. And plenty of people already do.

Even solo operators can clear six figures with a full route. The difference is strategy: tight geography, reliable service, and smart upselling.