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Groomer Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bark & Mane of Westoplex

Pet Groomer Trainee

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$1.3K - $1.6K/wk

We've grown to a team of over 14 groomers with a strong supporting infrastructure. Enjoy the independence of grooming in your own van while having a solid team supporting everything from scheduling ...

Groombuggy Inc.

Pet Bather/Pet Groomer Trainee

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

As a Pet Stylist Trainee , you'll start in our training salon, refining your bathing skills and learning advanced grooming techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. This program is ...

Barkbus

Pet Bather/Pet Groomer Trainee

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

As a Pet Stylist Trainee , you'll start in our training salon, refining your bathing skills and learning advanced grooming techniques under the guidance of experienced instructors. This program is ...

Pet Paradise

Pet Bather / Groomer Trainee - Cary

Apex, NC · On-site

$13.50/hr

As a groomer trainee you will be eligible for entry into our grooming academy with a scholarship to become an in-house groomer. PERKS AND BENEFITS: * Opportunity for ADVANCEMENT! You will be eligible ...

ROVER INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA LLC

Dog Groomer

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

This position is for experienced groomers only and is not a bather or grooming trainee role . If you are confident in full grooms and value a calm, supportive environment where quality comes first ...

ROVER INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA LLC

Dog Groomer

Lakeland, FL · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

This position is for experienced groomers only and is not a bather or grooming trainee role . If you are confident in full grooms and value a calm, supportive environment where quality comes first ...

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Groomer Trainee information

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$9

$29

$40

How much do groomer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for groomer trainee in the United States is $29.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $34.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Groomer Trainee vs Groomer?

AspectGroomer TraineeGroomer
CredentialsOn-the-job training, some certificationsCompleted training, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentSupervised grooming salons, animal care facilitiesIndependent grooming salons, pet stores, veterinary clinics
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting groomers, learning grooming techniquesPerforming grooming services independently

The main difference between a Groomer Trainee and a Groomer is that a Groomer Trainee is in the learning phase, often working under supervision and gaining experience, while a Groomer has completed training and can perform grooming services independently.

How to train to become a pet groomer?

To train as a pet groomer, individuals typically complete a grooming training program or apprenticeship that covers animal handling, grooming techniques, and safety procedures. Gaining hands-on experience with different breeds and tools, along with obtaining certification from a recognized organization, can improve job prospects and skill level.

What are groomer trainees?

Groomer trainees are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques required to become professional pet groomers. They typically work under the supervision of experienced groomers, assisting with tasks such as bathing, brushing, drying, and basic trimming of animals, often dogs and cats. Groomer trainees gain hands-on experience with various breeds, coat types, and grooming tools while also learning about animal behavior and safety. This entry-level position is a stepping stone towards becoming a certified or full-time groomer.

What does pet groomer trainee mean?

A pet groomer trainee is someone learning to perform grooming tasks such as bathing, trimming, and styling animals under supervision. This role often involves gaining hands-on experience, developing skills with grooming tools, and may require completing training programs or certifications before becoming a licensed groomer.

Does Petco pay for grooming training?

Petco Groomer Trainees typically do not receive payment for grooming training, as it is considered an on-the-job learning period. However, some locations may offer paid training or stipends; it is best to check with the specific store or employment agreement for details.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Groomer Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Groomer Trainee, you need basic animal handling skills, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, brushes, and pet-safe cleaning products is important, and on-the-job training or certifications in pet grooming can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, patience, and effective communication with pet owners set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure pets are groomed safely and effectively, leading to customer satisfaction and a positive environment for both animals and staff.

What are some common challenges a Groomer Trainee may face during their initial months on the job?

As a Groomer Trainee, one of the main challenges is learning to handle a variety of animal temperaments safely while building the trust of both pets and their owners. Mastering grooming techniques such as bathing, brushing, and trimming requires patience and practice, especially under the supervision of experienced groomers. Additionally, trainees often need to adapt quickly to a fast-paced environment and manage tasks like cleaning workspaces and maintaining equipment. Collaboration with other team members, such as receptionists and senior groomers, is essential to ensure smooth workflow and excellent customer service.

Do dog grooming apprentices get paid?

Dog grooming apprenticeships often include paid positions, but compensation varies by employer and region. Some programs offer hourly wages or stipends, while others may be unpaid or offer training-only opportunities. It is important to clarify pay details before starting an apprenticeship.
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What job categories do people searching Groomer Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Groomer Trainee jobs are:
Groomer Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Groomer Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,079 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Pet Groomer Trainee

Bark & Mane of Greater Memphis and West TN

Memphis, TN • On-site

$800 - $1.2K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance

Pet Groomer Trainee

Do you love dogs, enjoy hands on work, and want to build a career around a valuable skill? We are hiring a full time Pet Groomer Trainee to learn professional mobile grooming with our team.
No professional grooming experience is required. We are looking for someone reliable, coachable, kind with pets, and ready to learn a career that can provide strong long term income.
What You Will Do

You will receive paid, hands on training to become a professional pet groomer. After training, you will work independently with pets and clients throughout the day in a company provided mobile grooming workspace.
Our dispatch team handles appointment scheduling, route planning, and customer communication support so you can focus on grooming, caring for pets, and providing a great experience for clients.
This is an active, physical role. You should be comfortable standing, bending, lifting, safely handling dogs of different sizes and temperaments, and working one on one with clients and their pets.
Schedule

Once training is complete, groomers generally work a 4 day schedule with Sundays and 2 weekdays off. Training schedules may vary while you are learning the role.
What We Offer

  • • Paid training to become a professional pet groomer
  • • A professional starter grooming tool kit to get you started, with the cost repaid over time during your first 6 months
  • • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • • 401k with company match
  • • Tips and performance based bonus opportunities
  • • Office support for scheduling, customer communication, and route planning
  • • A supportive team with room to grow

Compensation

After training, compensation is commission based with tips and bonus opportunities. Established full time groomers on our team commonly earn approximately $60,000 to $90,000 per year including tips, depending on performance, availability, speed, and the client base they build. Individual earnings are not guaranteed.
What We Are Looking For

  • • Valid driver’s license and reasonably clean driving record
  • • Reliable attendance and dependable transportation
  • • Comfortable driving a large company vehicle
  • • Professional, friendly communication with clients
  • • Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and improve
  • • Ability to work independently while still being part of a team
  • • Genuine interest in dogs and quality pet care

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn a skilled trade, work with animals every day, and build a stable career with strong earning potential over time.