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Grooming Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

New

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 salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do grooming trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for grooming trainee in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Grooming Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Grooming Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Grooming jobs? The most popular types of Grooming jobs are:
What states have the most Grooming Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Grooming Trainee jobs include:
Infographic showing various Grooming Trainee job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 57% Full Time, 41% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Pet Bather / Groomer Trainee - St Augustine

Pet Bather / Groomer Trainee - St Augustine

Pet Paradise

Saint Augustine, FL

$14/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Pet Paradise is looking for an individual with a passion for pets to join our team as a Pet Bather for our four-legged friends.
We are seeking an individual who would love to grow their career and become a groomer through our grooming academy. As a groomer trainee youwill be eligible for entry into our grooming academy with a scholarship to become an in-house groomer.

Starting Rate: $14.00/hour ($0.50 increase 6 months from hire date, additional $0.50 increase on annual anniversary date)

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

  • Opportunity for ADVANCEMENT! You will be eligible to apply for:
    • Our Unleashed Leadership Academy, where you'll receive hands-on leadership training for the next steps in management with Supervisor and Assistant Manager opportunities companywide!
    • Our Dog Training Academy, with a scholarship to become a certified Dog Trainer (aka Canine Behavior Specialist)!
    • Our Grooming Academy, with a scholarship to become a certified Professional Pet Groomer!
  • Complimentary Pet Day Camp - Bring your dog with you to work!
  • 30 Days of Complimentary Pet Boarding (non-holidays)
  • Eligible for TIPS!
  • On-demand pay with DailyPay
  • Discounted Veterinary Care and Grooming Services (per location)
  • Dog/Cat Adoption Assistance
  • Fitness Reimbursement
  • Paid Time Off (both full-time and part-time status)
  • 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance (full-time status)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with added mental health benefit, available to all employees

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF A PET BATHER INCLUDE:

  • Assisting the grooming department with baths prior to scheduled grooms
  • Being responsible for providing "go-home" baths as requested by clients or management
  • May be tasked with performing nail trims, brushing teeth, and cleaning ears in a safe manner as trained
  • Properly securing and reassuring the pets to ensure optimal safety and comfort
  • Responsible for keeping bathing stations clean and having tools cleaned and ready for next use
  • Asking for assistance immediately if a pet demonstrates unusual stress
  • Performing other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS TO BE A PET BATHER:

  • Ability to handle a variety of animals safely and comfortably; prior animal handling experience highly preferred
  • Must have the physical strength, mobility, and stamina to lift or move heavy pets or objects from time to time
  • Ability to calmly handle and bathe pets that may be scared or show hesitation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, and attention to detail
  • Flexibility to resort schedule needs including days, night, weekends, holidays, and peak times

WHAT IT IS LIKE TO WORK HERE

WE ARE PET PEOPLE! At Pet Paradise, team members ensure that our furry friends get extra loving care and focused attention while playing and staying with us in a safe and entertaining environment. Dog boarding is just the start of what we do! The relationship you build with pets and their parents makes going to work fun and rewarding and the benefits we offer are top notch! We offer career development with our Unleashed Leadership Academy where you can train for that next step in management with opportunities across the Southeast. Or you can expand your skills in pet care in other company-paid training programs. As a team member, you are eligible to apply for our Grooming Academy to become a groomer, or canine training roles as we expand this service across our many locations. If you have a pet of your own, they can enjoy complimentary Pet Day Camp, Boarding and discounts on grooming and veterinary care at all our locations and clinics. Working with pets is not always easy, but we love what we do, and we care about giving you the tools to grow and succeed.

ABOUT PET PARADISE

Pet Paradise's full-service pet care destination is dedicated to giving pet parents access to all the premium care they need to give their furry family member the happiest, healthiest, longest life possible. The Pet Paradise brand has grown to offer resort-style pet day camp and care, professional pet grooming, low-stress and high-quality veterinary care, and of course, overnight boarding that feels like home, all under one roof. Located in ten states with more than 60 locations in operation or under development, Pet Paradise continues to expand in the United States.

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. Company Policy, Federal and State Laws Forbid Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Sexual Orientation or National Origin. The characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.