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Groomer Trainee Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level grooming staff, provide coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations, while fostering a ...

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level grooming staff, provide coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations, while fostering a ...

Maintain high standards of personal appearance and grooming, which include compliance with Avion ... Maintain direct contact with and monitor the development of management trainees. * Adhere to all ...

Groomer Trainee information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$9

$28

$39

How much do groomer trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for groomer trainee in Decatur, GA is $28.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.46 and $34.04 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Groomer jobs in Decatur, GA? The most popular types of Groomer jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What are popular job titles related to Groomer Trainee jobs in Decatur, GA? For Groomer Trainee jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Groomer Trainee jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Groomer Trainee jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Groomer Trainee jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Groomer Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Groomer Trainee job openings in Decatur, GA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,633 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Grooming Salon Manager

Petco

Marietta, GA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Petco rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 635 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

428th of 729 rated retailers


Job description

Want to help pets live their best lives?


We're proud to be where the pets go and where thepet peoplego. If you want to make a real difference, create an exciting career path, feel welcome to be your whole self and nurture your wellbeing,Petco is the place for you.


Our core values capture that spirit as we work to improve lives by doing what's right for pets and people.


  • Pet First - Protect & Empower.All pets shouldLive their Best Life.We put the needs of pets and pet parents at the center of everything we do.

  • Foster the Fun - Connect & Bond.OurPassionfor pets brings us together! We celebrate the journey of pet parenthood through distinct experiences, products, and services.

  • Let's Go! Own & Commit.We are stronger asOne Petco team.We bring our unique superpowers and champion authenticity in everyone to drive success.

About Petco:


We're proud to be"where the pets go"to find everything they need to live their best lives for more than 60 years - from their favorite meals and toys, to trusted supplies and expert support from people who get it, because we live it. We believe in the universal truths of pet parenthood - the boundless boops, missing slippers, late night zoomies and everything in between. And we're here for it. Every tail wag, every vet visit, every step of the way. We are29,000+strong and together we nurture the pet-human bond in more than1,500Petco stores across the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico,250+Vetco Total Care hospitals, hundreds of preventive care clinics and eight distribution centers. In 1999, we foundedPetco Love. Together, we support thousands of local animal welfare groups nationwide and have helped find homes for approximately7 million animalsthrough in-store adoption events.


Your Petco Grooming Career:

As a Grooming Salon Leader at Petco, you will lead salon operations and salon team members, while delivering expert grooming services to our valued customers' pets. Your passion for people and for pets will ensure a positive experience for our partners and exceptional care for every pet, leaving them looking and feeling their best.

In addition to the opportunity to lead with purpose and showcase your grooming skills, creativity and passion for animals, Petco also offers a dynamic and rewarding environment, including:

  • Competitive Pay + Incentive based on salon performance + Tips (Payment in accordance to the Grooming Salon Leader Incentive Plan details)
  • Medical, dental, vision and more
  • 401k and more
  • Paid Time Off
  • Petco Discounts
  • All the supplies & equipment you need, including, brushes, nail trimmers, clippers, blades, shampoo, sprays, tools, etc.
  • State of the art equipment, including bathing system, kennels, tables, and dryers
  • Career development and growth opportunities, such as Grooming Mentor and Grooming Instructor
Job Summary:

The Grooming Salon Leaders primary purpose is to lead and manage grooming salon operations and grooming salon team members. The Grooming Salon Leader is responsible for delivering a high level of customer satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment, driving salon performance, and developing and coaching both entry-level and seasoned groomers. In addition, the Grooming Salon Leader is responsible for performing expert-level grooming services, including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, while also prioritizing the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pets in our care. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced groomers with proven technical expertise and leadership skills who are interested in growing and developing a team.

Essential Job Functions:

The incumbent must be able to consistently perform all of the following duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the grooming salon, ensure smooth and efficient workflows, optimize scheduling and grooming capacity, manage inventory levels in the salon, and execute staffing plans
  • Recruit, hire, train, and supervise a team of entry-level trainees up to professional level grooming staff, provide coaching, feedback, training, and performance evaluations, while fostering a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork, professional growth, and continuous learning and development
  • Create and manage efficient grooming schedules that optimize salon capacity, maximize productivity, and accommodate customer demand, balance team availability with business needs, ensuring coverage during peak hours
  • Monitor salon performance metrics such as revenue, customer satisfaction, and partner productivity, analyze data to identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans
  • Collaborate with store management to achieve sales targets and salon objectives, implementing strategies to drive growth, expand the customer base, and boost profitability
  • Interact professionally and effectively with pet parents, provide exceptional customer service, address grooming related inquiries, offer grooming recommendations, and provide timely and proactive resolution to questions or concerns
  • Stay abreast of grooming industry trends and best practices to enhance your grooming skills and your teams' skills
  • Independently perform professional grooming services including bathing, drying, brushing, haircuts and styling, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and gland cleaning, according to pet parent's instructions and adhering to breed standards and company policies and procedures
  • Operate and maintain various grooming instruments, including clippers, blades, shears, brushes, and dryers
  • Evaluate individual needs of each pet, taking into consideration coat, type, skin conditions, temperament
  • Educate and provide custom recommendations to pet parents on grooming maintenance and home care practices & products to promote the overall well-being of the pet
  • Always ensure the well-being and safety of every animal in the salon, monitor pets for any signs of discomfort, illness, or injury, and promptly report any concerns to pet owners and store management
  • Perform quality checks to maintain a clean and safe grooming area and salon, disinfect and sanitize grooming tools and equipment, perform daily and weekly cleaning duties in the salon and in adherence to Petco hygiene and sanitation policies, other cleaning and maintenance tasks as assigned, including but not limited to cleaning air filters, vents, and drains
  • Utilize expert knowledge and understanding of Petco's grooming policies, standards, and guidelines to ensure safety, quality, and consistency in all activities and areas of the grooming business, ensuring standards are maintained in grooming salon, holding salon team members accountable for safety and quality standards
Education/Experience:
  • 2 or more years' experience as a professional groomer and/or completion of a technical grooming training program
  • Strong leadership skills, with the desire to lead, train, and develop people, with 1-2 years previous experience of salon management, or related field, preferred
  • High-school diploma or GED preferred, though not required
  • Very strong verbal and written communication skills for interactions with pet parents and grooming team members
  • Expert knowledge of various dog breeds, grooming requirements, common health issues and behaviors
  • Expert-level proficiency in breed-specific cuts, styling techniques, and grooming standards
  • Genuine passion for animals with a desire to continue a career in pet grooming
  • Strong decision making and problem-solving skills, using grooming experience and knowledge to solve problems in moderately complex situations, with guidance from Solutions Manager or Store General Manager when necessary
  • Results-driven, with focused commitment on salon productivity, performance, growth, and improvement
  • Strong attention to detail, ensuring grooming services are executed accurately and to the highest standards
  • Capable of handling pets of all sizes and temperaments with care and empathy
  • Available to work full time at a minimum of 35 per week, including weekends, evenings, and holidays, as needed by the Pet Care Center's grooming schedule
Work Environment:

The majority of job duties are conducted indoors in the grooming salon. Position requires bending, kneeling, lifting (up to 30 pounds, as necessary) and standing for long periods of time. Position may require exposure to heights using a two-step ladder or other support tools, such as vacuums, to perform assigned cleaning and maintenance duties. A large amount of this partner's time will be spent in direct contact with our pet parents and their dogs, and the remaining time will be with the other salon partners. The work environment can be noisy and wet.

Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or any other protected classification.

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