Animal Trainers Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a animal trainers in U.S. is $38,750/year ($18.63/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $29K at the entry level to $71K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $39K get you in U.S.?
About animal trainers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level animal trainers (10th percentile) start around $29K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $71K or more - a $42K spread from bottom to top.
Animal Trainers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $72K | +86% | 90 |
| Alabama | $58K | +51% | 220 |
| Oregon | $49K | +26% | 230 |
| California | $47K | +21% | 2,470 |
| Maryland | $46K | +20% | 600 |
| New York | $45K | +17% | 1,320 |
| Iowa | $45K | +17% | 120 |
| Connecticut | $43K | +12% | 380 |
| Washington | $43K | +10% | 570 |
| Montana | $43K | +10% | 60 |
| Arkansas | $42K | +10% | 200 |
| New Jersey | $42K | +8% | 340 |
| Pennsylvania | $42K | +7% | 630 |
| North Carolina | $41K | +5% | 740 |
| Wisconsin | $40K | +4% | 420 |
Track animal trainers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do animal trainers make in U.S.?
The median is $38,750 a year - that works out to about $18.63 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $29,120, and experienced animal trainers can clear $70,800. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,764/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 51.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a animal trainers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median animal trainers salary is worth about $38,750 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do animal trainers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.