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Grooming Trainee Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Dog Groomer

Lakeland, FL ยท On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

... grooming trainee role . If you are confident in full grooms and value a calm, supportive environment where quality comes first, we'd love to hear from you. This Role Is For You If You: * Can ...

Dog Groomer

Lakeland, FL ยท On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

... grooming trainee role . If you are confident in full grooms and value a calm, supportive environment where quality comes first, we'd love to hear from you. This Role Is For You If You: * Can ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Grooming Trainee information

See Florida salary details

$19.1K

$32.5K

$47.5K

How much do grooming trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for grooming trainee in Florida is $32,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24,700.00 and $38,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do dog grooming apprentices get paid?

Dog grooming apprenticeships typically offer paid positions, providing trainees with a wage while they learn grooming techniques, tools, and customer service skills. Payment amounts and conditions vary depending on the employer and location, but many programs include compensation as part of the training process.

Is PetSmart grooming training paid?

PetSmart grooming training for grooming trainees is typically paid, as trainees often receive compensation while learning skills such as bathing, trimming, and styling. The training program may also include certifications and hands-on experience in a retail environment. However, payment details can vary by location and program specifics.

What is a groomer trainee?

A groomer trainee is an entry-level position in pet grooming where individuals learn to groom animals under supervision. The role involves developing skills in bathing, trimming, and styling pets, often requiring on-the-job training and certification. It is a stepping stone toward becoming a professional pet groomer.

Is there an apprenticeship for dog grooming?

Yes, many grooming trainees can participate in apprenticeships that combine hands-on training with classroom instruction. These programs often lead to certification and help develop skills in grooming techniques, tools, and safety procedures. Apprenticeships typically last several months to a year and may be offered by grooming salons, vocational schools, or industry associations.

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

To thrive as a Grooming Trainee, you need basic knowledge of animal care, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with grooming tools such as clippers, shears, brushes, and pet bathing systems is important, and some employers may require completion of a grooming apprenticeship or certification course. Patience, strong communication, and a gentle approach with animals are key soft skills that help trainees build trust with pets and clients. These abilities ensure safety, quality grooming results, and positive customer experiences in a service-oriented environment.

What is the difference between Grooming Trainee vs Grooming Technician?

AspectGrooming TraineeGrooming Technician
CertificationsBasic grooming courses, on-the-job trainingAdvanced grooming certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentTraining salons, supervised settingsEstablished salons, independent work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level, grooming industry beginnersProfessional grooming services, industry standard

The main difference is that a Grooming Trainee is in training, gaining foundational skills under supervision, while a Grooming Technician is a certified professional with more experience and independence in grooming pets. Trainees focus on learning, whereas technicians perform grooming services independently.

What are some common challenges faced by a Grooming Trainee, and how can they be overcome?

As a Grooming Trainee, one common challenge is getting comfortable handling nervous or uncooperative animals while ensuring their safety and comfort. Building trust with pets takes patience, gentle handling, and clear communication with pet owners about the animal's temperament. Another challenge is mastering the variety of grooming tasks, such as bathing, brushing, nail trimming, and using grooming equipment safely. Consistent practice, asking for feedback from experienced groomers, and staying up-to-date on best practices can help trainees overcome these hurdles and grow in their role.

What are grooming trainees?

Grooming trainees are individuals who are learning the skills and techniques required to professionally groom animals, typically pets like dogs and cats. They work under the supervision of experienced groomers to gain hands-on experience in tasks such as bathing, brushing, trimming fur, cleaning ears, and clipping nails. Grooming trainees often participate in formal training programs or apprenticeships and gradually take on more responsibilities as they develop their skills and confidence. Their goal is to become certified or fully qualified pet groomers, able to provide safe and high-quality care for animals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Grooming jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Grooming jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Grooming Trainee jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Grooming Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Grooming Trainee job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 37% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,530 per year, or $15.6 per hour.

Dog Groomer

ROVER INDUSTRIES OF FLORIDA LLC

Lakeland, FL โ€ข On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Details

  • Full Time
  • $75,000 - $120,000 a year

Qualifications

  • Customer service
  • Pet grooming
  • Mid-level
  • Dog handling
  • Animal handling
  • Animal care
  • 2 years
  • Time management

Full Job Description

Full Time Professional Dog Groomer (Experienced Groomers Only)
BarkSuds | Lakeland, Fl.

BarkSuds is a busy, membership-based grooming salon in Sugar Land, and we are seeking a Full Time Professional Dog Groomer to join our team. 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, weโ€™d love to hear from you.

This Role Is For You If You:

  • Can confidently complete full grooms independently from start to finish
  • Have experience with breed-standard and pet trims
  • Safely and calmly handle dogs of various sizes and temperaments
  • Communicate clearly with clients about coat condition, matting, and grooming needs
  • Take pride in quality, consistency, and dog-first handling

This Role Is Not For:

  • Bathers only
  • Grooming students or apprentices
  • Candidates still building core haircutting skills

Requirements:

  • 2+ years of professional grooming experience required
  • Strong scissoring and clipper skills
  • Reliable, professional, and detail-oriented
  • Tue - Sat availability required (9am-4pm)
  • Occasional Saturday availability required
  • Must submit a portfolio of recent grooming work (photos required)

What We Offer:

  • 75 - 80% commission + tips (based on experience)
  • Supportive, upbeat work environment
  • Casual work attire
  • Consistent, repeat membership clientele
  • No late nights โ€” real work/life balance

Why BarkSuds?

We are not a high-volume, rush-through shop. BarkSuds prioritizes healthy dogs, educated pet parents, and a respectful environment for groomers. Your time, skills, and well-being matter here.