Median pay
$38,750
Median annual pay for Animal Trainers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Personal Care and Service
Animal Trainers
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.
10-year growth
5.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
7,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
47,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Animal Trainers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+2,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Learning Strategies
- 2Speaking
- 3Critical Thinking
- 4Active Learning
- 5Active Listening
- 6Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- 1Customer and Personal Service
- 2Education and Training
- 3Psychology
- 4Administration and Management
- 5English Language
- 6Sales and Marketing
Abilities
- 1Problem Sensitivity
- 2Oral Expression
- 3Oral Comprehension
- 4Information Ordering
- 5Speech Clarity
- 6Deductive Reasoning
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Social
- 3Conventional
- 4Investigative
- 5Enterprising
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Perseverance
- 3Self-Control
- 4Attention to Detail
- 5Cooperation
- 6Empathy
Work activities
- 1Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- 2Performing General Physical Activities
- 3Training and Teaching Others
- 4Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- 5Thinking Creatively
- 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Work context
- 1Freedom to Make Decisions
- 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 3Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- 4Spend Time Standing
- 5Contact With Others
- 6Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
Representative 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.
Software and tools
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Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.