How to become an animal trainer
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.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What animal trainers do
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
- Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Learning Strategies
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
Is animal trainer a good career?
On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 22% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Virginia $62,960
- Alabama $55,700
- Oregon $55,520
- California $49,060
- New York $48,790
Animal Trainers salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.