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Grooming Apprentice Jobs in Merrick, NY (NOW HIRING)

You are also responsible for supervising, training, and developing any other associates that work in the grooming department, including Bathers, Apprentice Groomers and Groomers. Key Responsibilities:

You are also responsible for supervising, training, and developing any other associates that work in the grooming department, including Bathers, Apprentice Groomers and Groomers. Key Responsibilities:

Providing high-quality grooming services with little supervision * Communicating directly with ... You are expected to do only haircuts unless there is not a Bather, Apprentice Groomer, or Assistant ...

Providing high-quality grooming services with little supervision * Communicating directly with ... You are expected to do only haircuts unless there is not a Bather, Apprentice Groomer, or Assistant ...

Grooming Apprentice information

See Merrick, NY salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do grooming apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for grooming apprentice in Merrick, NY is $22.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.74 and $24.62 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 Merrick, NY are hiring for Grooming Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Merrick, NY with the most Grooming Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Grooming Apprentice job openings in Merrick, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,903 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

$16/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Biscuits & Bath rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The Apprentice Groomer position is an interim position comprised of three phases:

  • Assessment Phase: an initial 1-2 week period working with the Senior Groomer(s) to assess specific areas for training and development. This initial phase will set the expected time frame for training, the scope of training as defined by grooming skill areas, and the structure of training in terms of skill sequencing.
  • Training Phase: a period of 6-12 months or more in duration in which you will work along side the Senior Groomer(s) to master the grooming skills indicated during the Assessment Phase. The Training Phase will consist of a defined critical path with sequential milestones as indicated by the Assessment Phase. The Training Phase might be in conjunction with more than one Senior Groomer in order to best develop your skill sets.
  • Evaluation Phase: a phase that will run concurrently with the Training Phase and be measured against the critical milestone path. At each skill milestone, the Senior Groomer will document an evaluation of the skill mastery and the critical milestone path will be updated. Promotion to Groomer will occur when all skills have been mastered and the critical milestone path completed. It is expected that the time required for each person will be different.

Promotion to Groomer: it is expected that approximately 75% of Apprentice Groomers will be promoted to Groomer within 6-18 months of being made an Apprentice Groomer.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Providing high quality grooming services
  • Communicating directly with clients both before and after all services
  • Communicating all issues (e.g. nicks, ticks, etc.) with clients and Shift Supervisors
  • Maintaining the cleanliness of the grooming room
  • Ensuring that equipment is clean and in good working order

Supplies and Equipment: you are responsible for providing all of the equipment necessary to perform your job at your sole expense (e.g. scissors, clippers, brushes, etc.). Biscuits & Bath will provide tables, dryers, cages, and shampoos.

Performance Metrics:

  • The rate at which you learn how to groom
  • Frequency of client communication
  • Number of incidents
  • Customer loyalty
  • Cleanliness of grooming room
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Minimum of two years bathing experience.
  • Knowledge of Biscuits & Bath and a genuine interest in the well-being of dogs.
  • Ability to learn and adhere to the company’s standards and procedures.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication (both verbal and written) skills.
  • Ability to juggle a variety of responsibilities, while balancing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • High degree of independent decision-making and problem-solving capability.
  • Ability to follow instructions.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to withstand prolonged exposure to water and soaps
  • Must be physically fit to lift dogs 50+ lbs, stand for extended periods of time and perform requirements of the job.
  • Ability to work a varied schedule including days, evenings, weekends and holidays.

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