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Grooming Apprentice Jobs in Burlington, WI (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities include assisting with personal care (bathing, grooming, toileting), mobility ... If under 18, must be enrolled in a Youth Apprentice and diploma/GED program * Strong communication ...

Grooming Apprentice information

See Burlington, WI salary details

$12

$23

$39

How much do grooming apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for grooming apprentice in Burlington, WI is $23.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grooming apprentice?

Grooming apprentices are individuals who are training to become professional pet groomers. They typically work under the supervision of experienced groomers to learn skills such as bathing, brushing, trimming, and styling pets, primarily dogs and sometimes cats. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience in animal handling, grooming techniques, and maintaining a safe, clean environment. This role is an entry-level position and often serves as a stepping stone to becoming a certified pet groomer.

What key skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a grooming apprentice?

To thrive as a Grooming Apprentice, you need basic animal handling skills, knowledge of pet care, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, scissors, brushes, and basic safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, patience, and strong communication make someone stand out when working with animals and their owners. These skills are crucial for ensuring pet safety, delivering quality grooming services, and building customer trust in a service-oriented environment.

What are some common challenges faced by grooming apprentices, and how can they be overcome?

Grooming Apprentices often encounter challenges such as handling nervous or difficult pets, learning to use specialized grooming tools safely, and developing efficient grooming techniques under supervision. To overcome these hurdles, apprentices are encouraged to observe experienced groomers closely, ask questions, and practice patience and gentle handling with animals. Regular feedback from mentors and hands-on training help build confidence and skill, making it easier to progress in the role.

What is the difference between Grooming Apprentice vs Grooming Technician?

AspectGrooming ApprenticeGrooming Technician
CertificationsBasic grooming courses, on-the-job trainingAdvanced grooming certifications, state licenses
Work EnvironmentLearning environment, supervised grooming salonsIndependent or team-based grooming salons, pet stores
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting groomers, learning grooming techniquesPerforming grooming services independently or under supervision

The Grooming Apprentice is typically in training, assisting experienced groomers and gaining skills, while the Grooming Technician is more experienced, performing grooming services independently. Apprentices focus on learning, whereas Technicians handle grooming tasks with greater autonomy.

What cities near Burlington, WI are hiring for Grooming Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Burlington, WI with the most Grooming Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Grooming Apprentice job openings in Burlington, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,349 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Dog Groomer - Must have experience

Central Bark USA dba Lucky Leash Resorts LLC

Grayslake, IL • On-site

$15 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Summary:  Responsible for the grooming of day care dogs as well as outside clientele. We operate 365 days a year; Groomers are expected to work their agreed upon shifts. Approximately 80% of your time will be standing on your feet bathing, brushing, drying, clipping and generally grooming dogs, 10% will be scheduling grooms, communicating with owners, and receiving and releasing dogs, 10% is spent on general cleaning of the grooming area, doing grooming associated laundry, etc. Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Discussing grooming requests with customers. 
  • Scheduling grooms. 
  • Receiving and releasing dogs to and from owners. 
  • Bathing, trimming nails, cleaning ears, brushing, blow-drying, clipping, shaving, and expressing anal glands. Perform breed specific trims along with customer requested grooming cuts 
  • Maintaining grooming records and establishing a relationship with customers. 
  • Promoting grooming at Central Bark. 
  • Attending seminars, events and trade shows to promote Central Bark. 

Qualifications:  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience: Grooming experience is required. This experience may be in the form of a formal Grooming Degree or of gained working experience as an apprentice to an established groomer. Proper dog handling skills are required to offer grooming dogs a safe and calm environment. Knowledge of dog behavior is preferred to keep the groomer and dog safe. Training and seminars may be scheduled during non-working hours where your attendance may be required. 
Physical Skills: Ability to perform a variety of demanding physical activities, including lifting a minimum of 50 pounds (whether it is a bag of dog food, a crate or a dog), and standing for long periods of time. Grasping, pinching and pulling skills are also needed to leash and collar dogs as well as control them as well as the repeated motions associated with grooming dogs.
Health: It is required that all Groomers are current on their Tetanus vaccination.Language Skills: Ability to read dog information including names, medication and feeding instructions, and grooming instructions.  Be able to communicate dog issues with management either via written or oral communication. Be able to maintain a clear record of grooms performed.
Mathematical Skills: Basic measuring and counting abilities as related to cleaning, medications, feedings or counting change back to customers.
Computer Skills: A basic understanding of Windows based applications is helpful.Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, analyze emergencies and think on your feet. Ability to deal rationally with irrational customers.
Reasoning Ability: Ability to define problems, analyze emergencies and think on your feet. Ability to deal rationally with irrational customers.