Animal Trainer Salary 2025: $39,990 Median, 5.1% Growth & How to Start
Animal trainers make a median salary of $39,990 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to about $19 per hour. The best-paid 10% earn over $75,490, while the bottom 10% earn less than $29,600. The occupation employs 18,770 people nationwide and is projected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
How much Animal Trainers earn
The median annual wage for animal trainers is $39,990, and the mean wage is $47,020. That's roughly $19 per hour at the median. The typical range stretches from $29,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,490 at the 90th percentile, so experienced trainers in high-demand settings can earn well above the median.
Pay depends heavily on the type of animals trained, the employer, and location. Trainers working with marine mammals or in entertainment often earn more than those in pet training or animal shelters. The BLS figures cover all animal trainers, including those who train dogs, horses, or exotic animals.
Pay by state
Location matters a lot for animal trainer salaries. The highest-paying state is Virginia, with an average wage of $62,960. Alabama follows at $55,700, then Oregon at $55,520, California at $49,060, and New York at $48,790.
On the lower end, South Carolina pays an average of $29,670, Michigan $30,820, and Ohio $32,700. Cost of living should factor into your decision — a salary in Virginia goes further than the same number in California.
How to become an Animal Trainer
There is no single, required path to becoming an animal trainer, but most trainers start with hands-on experience. High school diploma is the minimum for many entry-level jobs, though some employers prefer a bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field.
Practical experience is critical. Volunteer at animal shelters, work as a kennel assistant, or apprentice under an experienced trainer. Certification from a recognized organization — like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Marine Animal Trainer's Association (IMATA) — can boost your credibility and job prospects.
- Get hands-on experience: volunteer or work at shelters, kennels, or zoos.
- Consider a degree: animal science, biology, or psychology helps, but isn't mandatory.
- Earn certification: CCPDT for dog trainers, IMATA for marine mammals, or others.
- Apprentice under a seasoned trainer to learn specific techniques and animal handling.
Job outlook
The BLS projects animal trainer employment will grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 7,100 job openings each year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the field. Growth is driven by increased pet spending and demand for service animals, as well as continued need in entertainment and conservation.
Competition for jobs can be strong, especially with marine mammals or in high-paying states. Specializing in a niche — like service dog training or animal behavior consulting — can give you an edge.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary of an animal trainer in 2025?
The national average (mean) salary is $47,020 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' most recent data. The median is $39,990.
What education do I need to become an animal trainer?
Many animal trainers start with a high school diploma and gain experience through on-the-job training. A bachelor's degree in animal science, biology, or a related field can improve job prospects. Certification from a recognized organization (like CCPDT) is also beneficial.
Is animal trainer a growing career?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, with about 7,100 openings each year.
What states pay animal trainers the most?
Virginia leads with an average wage of $62,960, followed by Alabama ($55,700), Oregon ($55,520), California ($49,060), and New York ($48,790).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Animal Trainers data.