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Animal Trainers in Colorado
Want to work as an Animal Trainers in Colorado? Below are the key facts. 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.
What do Animal Trainers Make in Colorado?
For a animal trainers working in Colorado, the typical annual salary is $43,670 per year (or about $21.00/hour).Pay can range from $34,300 at the 10th percentile to $104,000 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,300 | $16.49 |
| 25th percentile | $37,140 | $17.85 |
| Median (50th) | $43,670 | $21.00 |
| 75th percentile | $46,240 | $22.23 |
| 90th percentile | $104,000 | $50.00 |
Location quotient — how concentrated this career is in Colorado compared to the national average — is 0.74, suggesting fewer animal trainers per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, animal trainers earn a median of $32,987 per year ($15.86/hour), above the Colorado median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 182,029 animal trainers in the U.S.. In Colorado alone, about 280 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 260 animal trainers.
Top Colorado Metros for Animal Trainers
The metro areas below employ the most animal trainers in Colorado.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 130 | $42,790 |
| Boulder, CO | 40 | $44,350 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | 30 | $64,590 |
Top States for Animal Trainers Employment
The table below shows the states where the most animal trainers work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,470 |
| Florida | 1,570 |
| New York | 1,320 |
| Ohio | 970 |
| Georgia | 790 |
| Texas | 790 |
| North Carolina | 740 |
| Arizona | 710 |
| Pennsylvania | 630 |
| Virginia | 620 |
| Maryland | 600 |
| Missouri | 600 |
| Michigan | 590 |
| Washington | 570 |
| Indiana | 560 |
| Illinois | 550 |
| Minnesota | 520 |
| Wisconsin | 420 |
| Connecticut | 380 |
| New Jersey | 340 |
Highest-Paying States for Animal Trainers
These states pay the most for animal trainers.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $72,080 |
| Alabama | $58,480 |
| Oregon | $48,690 |
| California | $46,780 |
| Maryland | $46,390 |
| New York | $45,470 |
| Iowa | $45,180 |
| Colorado | $43,670 |
| Connecticut | $43,240 |
| Washington | $42,810 |
Skills
Top animal trainers skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for animal trainers, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- 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.
- Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
- Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.
- 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.
- Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.
Work Activities
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Training and Teaching Others
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Thinking Creatively
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Getting Information
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Atlassian JIRA, Epic Systems
Related Careers
Related occupations to animal trainers include:
- Training and Development Managers
- Training and Development Specialists
- Animal Scientists
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Athletes and Sports Competitors
Also Known As
Agility Instructor, Animal Handler, Animal Trainer, Bronc Breaker, Bronc Buster, Canine Handler, Canine Service Teacher, Cat Groomer, Dog Groomer, Dog Handler, Dog Obedience Instructor, Dog Show Judge, Dog Trainer, Dolphin Trainer, Elephant Tamer.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 39-2011.00
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