What is an Animal Trainer?
Animal Trainer Definition Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or 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.
Animal Trainer Responsibilities
- 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.
- Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.
- Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
- Train and rehearse animals, according to scripts, for motion picture, television, film, stage, or circus performances.
- Place tack or harnesses on horses to accustom horses to the feel of equipment.
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Animal Trainer Required Skills
These are the skills Animal Trainers say are the most useful in their careers:
Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Animal Trainer
- Marine Mammal Trainer
- Pet Trainer
- Marine Animal Trainer
- Show Horse Driver
- Trick Rodeo Rider
What Kind of Animal Trainer Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 54,900 jobs in the United States for Animal Trainer. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.1% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,100 new jobs for Animal Trainer by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,000 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Animal Trainer are Colorado, Oregon, and New Hampshire. Watch out if you plan on working in South Carolina, Maryland, or Pennsylvania. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Animal Trainer Salary
The salary for Animal Trainers ranges between about $20,270 and $55,760 a year.

Animal Trainers who work in Kentucky, Washington, or Illinois, make the highest salaries.
How much do Animal Trainers make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $32,900 |
Alaska | $32,470 |
Arizona | $38,420 |
Arkansas | $36,690 |
California | $41,600 |
Colorado | $30,690 |
Connecticut | $36,870 |
Delaware | $35,880 |
Florida | $32,210 |
Georgia | $31,830 |
Hawaii | $31,410 |
Idaho | $19,850 |
Illinois | $46,150 |
Indiana | $33,200 |
Iowa | $72,160 |
Kansas | $28,050 |
Kentucky | $60,660 |
Louisiana | $28,730 |
Maine | $29,310 |
Maryland | $32,210 |
Massachusetts | $38,280 |
Michigan | $32,160 |
Minnesota | $31,640 |
Mississippi | $21,250 |
Missouri | $31,210 |
Nebraska | $32,330 |
Nevada | $28,060 |
New Hampshire | $35,610 |
New Jersey | $33,740 |
New Mexico | $35,580 |
New York | $36,610 |
North Carolina | $27,500 |
Ohio | $28,280 |
Oklahoma | $28,590 |
Oregon | $27,930 |
Pennsylvania | $31,190 |
South Carolina | $36,630 |
Tennessee | $28,220 |
Texas | $29,040 |
Utah | $29,050 |
Virginia | $35,870 |
Washington | $41,880 |
West Virginia | $34,100 |
Wisconsin | $28,890 |
What Tools & Technology do Animal Trainers Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Animal Trainers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Project
- Database software
- Oracle PeopleSoft
- Oracle software
- Epic Systems
- SAP software
- Atlassian JIRA
- Customer information control system CICS
- Work scheduling software
How to Become an Animal Trainer
What education is needed to be an Animal Trainer?

What work experience do I need to become an Animal Trainer?

Who Employs Animal Trainers?

Animal Trainers work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being an Animal Trainer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Corey Hensley via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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