Animal Trainers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $39,990/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$29,600$75,490

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +5.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.

About 7,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills

InstructingLearning StrategiesSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringActive ListeningJudgment and Decision MakingSocial PerceptivenessCoordination

Top knowledge areas

Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingPsychologyAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingAdministrativePersonnel and Human Resources

Core tasks

• Cue or signal animals during performances.

• Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.

• Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.

• Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.

• Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.

• Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.

• Administer prescribed medications to animals.

• Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Animal Trainers?

The median pay for Animal Trainers is $39,990 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Animal Trainers?

Employment for Animal Trainers is projected to change +5.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.

What education is typically required for Animal Trainers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Animal Trainers?

About 7,100 openings per year, on average, over the decade.