What is an Animal Trainer?
Position Description 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.
Life As an Animal Trainer
- Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
- Administer prescribed medications to animals.
- Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.
- Train dogs in human assistance or property protection duties.
- Train horses or other equines for riding, harness, show, racing, or other work, using knowledge of breed characteristics, training methods, performance standards, and the peculiarities of each animal.
- Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
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Animal Trainer Needed Skills
Animal Trainers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Racehorse Trainer
- Dog Obedience Instructor
- Show Horse Driver
- Pet Handler
- Pet Trainer
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. There will be an estimated 7,000 positions for Animal Trainer per year.
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.
What is the Average Salary of an Animal Trainer
The average yearly salary of an Animal Trainer ranges between $20,270 and $55,760.
Animal Trainers who work in Kentucky, Washington, or Illinois, make the highest salaries.
How much do Animal Trainers make in different U.S. states?
| 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Animal Trainers
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 do I Become an Animal Trainer?
What education or degrees do I need to become an Animal Trainer?
How Long Does it Take to Become an Animal Trainer?
Where Animal Trainers Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Animal Trainers employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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References:
Image Credit: Corey Hensley via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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