@sheiriam Came to say this. I just left a 1099 job yesterday and am starting a W4 job today because the salon owner raised the rent on me. I did the math and I was making less than $15/hr (not counting tips), plus environment was just toxic.
But here is some math for you to consider whether or not working at that salon would be worth it:
Let’s assume you groom 4-5 dogs a day, are working 5 days a week, and groom prices range $50-$100, that’s a a range of $1250-$2000 a week.
Now, before you get excited, let’s do some math.
If your average weekly income is about $1500, and your employer is going to hang on to half of that, then your income is actually going to be closer to $750.
What’s more, you’re going to want to set aside about 20% into a savings account or make quarterly payments to the IRS, that’s $150/week to taxes and means you’re making $600 a week average.
$600 divided by 40 hours a week comes out to $15/hr.
But the thing is, as an independent contractor, you have to pay for a lot of things an employer normally would for you. Shampoos and other supplies, sharpening, insurance, after those expenses your hourly rate is going to easily drop down to $10 an hour.
Insurance is a big one not just because it is costly, but because it is really necessary in our line of work.
You get bit by a dog, the salon you work at takes 0 responsibility because you are I.D.
You cut a dog, again, the salon takes 0 responsibility and if the customer wants their vet bill covered, it’s coming out of your pocket.
Lastly, if all that wasn’t enough to turn you off, my co-worker filed single and no kids and ended up owing the IRS over $7k when she filed through TurboTax.
Keep looking for another salon OP, it’s not worth it.