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Grooming Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Bellevue, TN · On-site

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 ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Bellevue, TN · On-site

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 ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

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 ...

Petco

Grooming Salon Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

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 ...

Pacs

$12.50 - $15.25/hr

Under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, trainees receive hands-on experience and classroom ... grooming, dressing, and hygiene under supervision * Observe and report changes in residents ...

Pacs

Nurse aide training

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, trainees receive hands-on experience and classroom ... grooming, dressing, and hygiene under supervision * Observe and report changes in residents ...

Pacs

Nurse aide training

Gallatin, TN · On-site

Under the supervision of licensed nursing staff, trainees receive hands-on experience and classroom ... grooming, dressing, and hygiene under supervision * Observe and report changes in residents ...

SOHO Consulting, LLC

Task Force Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

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

SOHO Consulting, LLC

Task Force Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

... grooming which include compliance with company dress code and wearing a name tag when working (per ... trainees. • Adhere to all SOHO Consulting policies and procedures and train new managers to ...

SOHO Consulting, LLC

Task Force Manager

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

... grooming which include compliance with company dress code and wearing a name tag when working (per ... trainees. • Adhere to all SOHO Consulting policies and procedures and train new managers to ...

All JobsGrooming JobsGrooming Trainee JobsGrooming Trainee Jobs in Tennessee

Grooming Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$23.1K

$39.5K

$57.6K

How much do grooming trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for grooming trainee in Tennessee is $39,509.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,000.00 and $46,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a grooming trainee?

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Grooming jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Grooming jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Grooming Trainee jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Grooming Trainee job openings:

Grooming Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grooming Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,509 per year, or $19 per hour.

Entry Level Pet Grooming Trainee

Bark & Mane of Greater Memphis and West TN

Memphis, TN • On-site

$800 - $1.1K/wk

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Dental insurance

Entry Level Pet Grooming Trainee

No Grooming Experience Required | Paid Training | Career Path with Dogs

Love dogs and want to build a real career, but do not have formal pet care experience? We train reliable, motivated people to become professional pet groomers.
At Bark & Mane of Greater Memphis, formerly Aussie Pet Mobile, many of our groomers started in customer service, restaurants, retail, daycare, veterinary clinics, and other hands-on jobs before learning grooming with us.
This is a full-time trainee position for someone who wants to learn a skilled trade, work with dogs every day, and build strong earning potential over time.
What You Will Learn

You will receive paid, hands-on training to become a professional pet groomer. During training, you will learn dog handling, bathing, drying, grooming skills, safety, customer communication, van care, and the daily process of mobile grooming.
After training, you will work independently in a company mobile grooming vehicle at clients’ homes. Our dispatch team handles scheduling, route planning, and customer support so you can focus on the pets, the clients, and the quality of your work.
Why People Like This Career

• Paid training to become a professional pet groomer
• 4 day work week once training is complete
• Work independently during the day with support from our office team
• Tips and performance based bonus opportunities
• Health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, and 401k with company match
• A skilled trade with strong long term earning potential
What To Expect

This is active, physical work. You will stand, bend, lift, clean, drive between appointments, communicate with clients, and safely handle dogs of different sizes and temperaments.
Training schedules may differ from the regular groomer schedule. Once trained and running appointments, groomers generally work 4 days per week, including Saturdays.
After training, compensation is commission based with tips and bonus opportunities. Established full-time groomers on our team commonly earn approximately $60,000 to $90,000 per year including tips, depending on performance, availability, speed, and the client base they build. Individual earnings are not guaranteed.
We provide a professional starter grooming tool kit, with repayment handled over time during the first several months. Full details are reviewed during the hiring process.
What We Are Looking For

• No formal grooming or pet care experience required
• Valid driver’s license and reasonably clean driving record
• Reliable attendance and dependable transportation
• Comfortable working with dogs and learning safe handling
• Friendly, professional communication with clients
• Willingness to learn, accept feedback, and improve
• Ability to work independently without being micromanaged
• Interest in building a long-term career, not just finding a short term job
If you want to learn a valuable skill, work with dogs, and build a career with strong earning potential, apply today to become an Entry Level Pet Grooming Trainee.