SOC 39-2011 · May 2025 · United States
Animal Trainers
National figures, with pay broken out by state and metro area
The median wage for Animal Trainers across the United States is $39,990 per year, measured over 18,770 jobs. The highest state median is in Virginia, at $62,960.
National wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Where the pay is highest for Animal Trainers
Pay for this occupation varies by 112.2% between the highest and lowest paying states with published data. Virginia pays $62,960 and South Carolina pays $29,670.
| # | State | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | $62,960 | 720 | |
| 2 | Alabama | $55,700 | 170 | |
| 3 | Oregon | $55,520 | 140 | |
| 4 | California | $49,060 | 2,270 | |
| 5 | New York | $48,790 | 970 | |
| 6 | New Jersey | $46,690 | 480 | |
| 7 | Washington | $46,420 | 360 | |
| 8 | Illinois | $45,830 | 680 | |
| 9 | Connecticut | $45,800 | 290 | |
| 10 | Indiana | $45,270 | 380 |
States with the most Animal Trainers jobs
Top-paying metro areas
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Beach | $99,190 | — |
| 2 | Portland | $66,040 | 110 |
| 3 | Santa Maria | $64,430 | — |
| 4 | San Francisco | $61,490 | 300 |
| 5 | Bridgeport | $59,710 | 60 |
| 6 | Santa Rosa | $58,160 | 60 |
| 7 | Colorado Springs | $58,090 | 40 |
| 8 | Raleigh | $55,560 | 160 |
| 9 | San Jose | $54,810 | 80 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | $51,230 | 830 |
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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