Animal Trainers Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 39-2011As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for animal trainers in the United States is $39,990 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 19,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $29,600 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $33,740 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $39,990 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $53,580 | Experienced |
| 90th | $75,490 | Senior / highest decile |
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| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $62,960 | $74,870 | 720 |
| Alabama | $55,700 | $55,600 | 170 |
| Oregon | $55,520 | $57,330 | 140 |
| California | $49,060 | $55,570 | 2,000 |
| New York | $48,790 | $52,060 | 970 |
| New Jersey | $46,690 | $62,460 | 480 |
| Washington | $46,420 | $48,960 | 360 |
| Illinois | $45,830 | $48,230 | 680 |
| Connecticut | $45,800 | $52,340 | 290 |
| Indiana | $45,270 | $54,810 | 380 |
| Georgia | $45,250 | $51,470 | 800 |
| Montana | $44,680 | $44,260 | 80 |
| Colorado | $44,290 | $50,010 | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $43,580 | $49,390 | 510 |
| Iowa | $43,020 | $50,450 | 180 |
| Minnesota | $41,690 | $46,410 | 300 |
| Idaho | $40,770 | $38,720 | 180 |
| Maine | $40,760 | $41,960 | 110 |
| Oklahoma | $40,310 | $47,110 | 250 |
| Arkansas | $39,400 | $43,410 | 110 |
| North Dakota | $38,970 | $37,700 | 30 |
| Pennsylvania | $38,920 | $42,030 | 460 |
| Utah | $38,580 | $39,140 | 260 |
| District of Columbia | $38,200 | $43,290 | — |
| South Dakota | $38,120 | $38,100 | 30 |
| New Hampshire | $38,030 | $39,440 | 140 |
| North Carolina | $37,680 | $47,600 | 640 |
| Maryland | $37,430 | $47,310 | 890 |
| Wisconsin | $37,140 | $41,790 | 480 |
| West Virginia | $37,080 | $46,540 | 100 |
| Florida | $36,870 | $41,910 | 1,000 |
| Nevada | $36,760 | $36,230 | 170 |
| Texas | $36,370 | $39,700 | 1,000 |
| Tennessee | $35,320 | $38,750 | 310 |
| Mississippi | $35,130 | $44,300 | 40 |
| Alaska | $34,900 | $36,380 | 50 |
| Nebraska | $34,900 | $37,660 | 60 |
| New Mexico | $34,760 | $34,930 | 60 |
| Kansas | $34,720 | $37,540 | 250 |
| Kentucky | $34,030 | $40,950 | 470 |
| Missouri | $34,010 | $38,910 | 250 |
| Delaware | $33,810 | $37,060 | 90 |
| Arizona | $33,330 | $35,430 | — |
| Louisiana | $32,720 | $32,660 | — |
| Ohio | $32,700 | $38,910 | 730 |
| Michigan | $30,820 | $33,640 | 800 |
| South Carolina | $29,670 | $33,580 | 200 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a animal trainers in the US?
The US national median wage for animal trainers is $39,990 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for animal trainers in the US?
Pay ranges from $29,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,490 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay animal trainers the most?
The highest-paying states for animal trainers include Virginia ($62,960), Alabama ($55,700), Oregon ($55,520). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does animal trainers salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Virginia ($62,960) pays roughly 112% more than South Carolina ($29,670). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02