Explore This Path

Animal Trainer

💰 Earn $40K-$64K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 4.2% Job Growth

Perfect for animal lovers who enjoy teaching and bonding with various species.
Enhance animal skills for security, entertainment, and assistance roles.
Train animals for unique tasks like carrying loads or performing in shows.

What Animal Trainers DoTrain 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.

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.

Animal Trainers Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsGood (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings6,500 Annually

Median earnings

California Median

$49,060

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$40K25th percentile

$64K75th percentile

National Median

$39,990

Most earn within this range

median ▾

$34K25th percentile

$54K75th percentile

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Real Talk Reel

We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life of this career.

@waggingvictories

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Working with my hands

you value

Accomplishing things
Having freedom
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Speaking
Monitoring
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Coordination

Go Deeper: Animal Trainers Explained

Animal TrainerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Workforce Development ProgramA workforce development program typically enhances participants' opportunities to succeed in the workforce through employment skill-building, career counseling, connections to employers, and pathways to high-demand and high-wage jobs.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

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