Animal Trainers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for animal trainers in the United States was $39,990 ($19.22 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,600 | $14.23 |
| 25th | $33,740 | $16.22 |
| Median | $39,990 | $19.22 |
| 75th | $53,580 | $25.76 |
| 90th | $75,490 | $36.29 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 39-2011
- Total U.S. employment: 18,770
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
At $19.22 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $39,978 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $39,990.
With approximately 18,770 animal trainers employed, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Animal Trainers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $55,700 | $26.78 | +39.3% | 170 |
| Alaska | $34,900 | $16.78 | -12.7% | 50 |
| Arizona | $33,330 | $16.02 | -16.7% | 0 |
| Arkansas | $39,400 | $18.94 | -1.5% | 110 |
| California | $49,060 | $23.59 | +22.7% | 2,270 |
| Colorado | $44,290 | $21.29 | +10.8% | 330 |
| Connecticut | $45,800 | $22.02 | +14.5% | 290 |
| Delaware | $33,810 | $16.25 | -15.5% | 90 |
| District of Columbia | $38,200 | $18.37 | -4.5% | 0 |
| Florida | $36,870 | $17.72 | -7.8% | 1,090 |
| Georgia | $45,250 | $21.76 | +13.2% | 800 |
| Idaho | $40,770 | $19.60 | +2.0% | 180 |
| Illinois | $45,830 | $22.03 | +14.6% | 680 |
| Indiana | $45,270 | $21.76 | +13.2% | 380 |
| Iowa | $43,020 | $20.68 | +7.6% | 180 |
| Kansas | $34,720 | $16.69 | -13.2% | 250 |
| Kentucky | $34,030 | $16.36 | -14.9% | 470 |
| Louisiana | $32,720 | $15.73 | -18.2% | 0 |
| Maine | $40,760 | $19.60 | +1.9% | 110 |
| Maryland | $37,430 | $18.00 | -6.4% | 890 |
| Massachusetts | $43,580 | $20.95 | +9.0% | 510 |
| Michigan | $30,820 | $14.82 | -22.9% | 800 |
| Minnesota | $41,690 | $20.04 | +4.3% | 300 |
| Mississippi | $35,130 | $16.89 | -12.2% | 40 |
| Missouri | $34,010 | $16.35 | -15.0% | 250 |
| Montana | $44,680 | $21.48 | +11.7% | 80 |
| Nebraska | $34,900 | $16.78 | -12.7% | 60 |
| Nevada | $36,760 | $17.67 | -8.1% | 170 |
| New Hampshire | $38,030 | $18.28 | -4.9% | 140 |
| New Jersey | $46,690 | $22.45 | +16.8% | 480 |
| New Mexico | $34,760 | $16.71 | -13.1% | 60 |
| New York | $48,790 | $23.46 | +22.0% | 970 |
| North Carolina | $37,680 | $18.11 | -5.8% | 640 |
| North Dakota | $38,970 | $18.73 | -2.6% | 30 |
| Ohio | $32,700 | $15.72 | -18.2% | 730 |
| Oklahoma | $40,310 | $19.38 | +0.8% | 250 |
| Oregon | $55,520 | $26.69 | +38.8% | 140 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,920 | $18.71 | -2.7% | 460 |
| South Carolina | $29,670 | $14.27 | -25.8% | 200 |
| South Dakota | $38,120 | $18.33 | -4.7% | 30 |
| Tennessee | $35,320 | $16.98 | -11.7% | 310 |
| Texas | $36,370 | $17.49 | -9.1% | 1,080 |
| Utah | $38,580 | $18.55 | -3.5% | 260 |
| Virginia | $62,960 | $30.27 | +57.4% | 720 |
| Washington | $46,420 | $22.32 | +16.1% | 360 |
| West Virginia | $37,080 | $17.83 | -7.3% | 100 |
| Wisconsin | $37,140 | $17.86 | -7.1% | 480 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education — $63,970/yr
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks — $50,670/yr
- Security Guards — $38,020/yr
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel — $69,990/yr
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products — $72,080/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers — $44,080/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for animal trainers?
The median annual wage for animal trainers is $39,990 ($19.22 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays animal trainers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many animal trainers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 18,770 animal trainers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do animal trainers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $19.22. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.