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Grooming Apprentice Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Grooming Apprentice information

See Reading, PA salary details

$11

$21

$35

How much do grooming apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for grooming apprentice in Reading, PA is $21.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $23.08 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 are the most commonly searched types of Grooming jobs in Reading, PA?

The most popular types of Grooming jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Grooming Apprentice jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Grooming Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Grooming Apprentice job openings in Reading, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,990 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregiver

BAYADA Home Health Care

Honey Brook, PA

$18/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted just now


Bayada Home Health Care rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 893 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Join BAYADA Home Health and Make a Difference in Your Community!

BAYADA Home Health Care is currently seeking Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregivers to join the team in Chester County, PA. BAYADA’s Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregivers work one-on-one in home and community settings as a companion and mentor for individuals with intellectual or developmental disability to help them reach their full potential. As a member of our team, you will be valued, respected, and heard. We are committed to investing in people and nurturing their desire to grow, and we can’t wait for you to join us.

Locations We’re Hiring: West Chester, Malvern, Downingtown, Honey Brook (east/west Chester County) and surrounding areas!

How You’ll Make an Impact as a Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregiver:

  • Provide personal care assistance (dressing, grooming)
  • Accompany clients on errands and appointments
  • Spend time on the client’s favorite hobbies and activities
  • Assist with everyday tasks, such as meal preparation
  • Participate in community integration activities

Compensation & Schedule:

  • Competitive pay rates starting at $18/hr. with a weekly pay schedule
  • Flexible scheduling (part-time, various shifts)
  • Short commute times (we try to match opportunities within 30 minutes near your home)
    • Options for mileage reimbursement

Benefits You’ll Love as a Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregiver:

  • Possibility of Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, FSA and HSA options
  • Education & Development: Scholarship and development opportunities, free courses, and on-the-job training
  • Recognition & Rewards: Recognition programs, referral bonuses
  • Positive Work Environment: Stable and supportive work environment with around the clock clinical support and a team environment that cares
  • Paid Time Off: PTO (paid time off) and paid holidays
  • Other Benefits: 401(k) with company match, employer-paid life insurance, employee assistance program (EAP)

Qualifications for Our Direct Support Professional / DSP / Caregivers:

  • One or more years of experience working with intellectual and development disabilities (If you do not have this experience, training may be available through our apprentice program)
  • High school diploma or equivalent (18+)

Thrive in a Culture That Cares:

We put your well-being first, fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment of belonging where you can achieve your goals. Don't just take our word for it:

  • Rated 3.8 stars on Indeed & Glassdoor
  • Newsweek's Greatest Workplace for Overall, Women, Parents & Families, Diversity
  • Forbes Best Employers for Veterans

BAYADA recognizes and rewards our support professionals who set and maintain the highest standards of excellence. Join our caring team today!

As an accredited, regulated, certified, and licensed home health care provider, BAYADA complies with all state/local mandates.

BAYADA is celebrating 50 years of compassion, excellence, and reliability. Learn more about our 50th anniversary celebration and how you can join in here.

BAYADA Home Health Care, Inc., and its associated entities and joint venture partners, are Equal Opportunity Employers. All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, military status, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.


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About Bayada Home Healthcare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

BAYADA has a special purpose: to help people of all ages have a safe home life with comfort, independence, and dignity. We believe our clients and their families deserve the highest quality home health care delivered with compassion, excellence, and reliability - our core values, affording them the opportunity to remain at home and receive the medical care required.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Moorestown, NJ, US

Year founded

1975