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Animal Trainer
Also called: Dog Trainer · Service Dog Trainer · Horse Trainer · Marine Mammal Trainer
What animal trainers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an animal trainer do?
Animal trainers teach animals behaviors for obedience, assistance, security, performance and competition, and often teach owners how to train their animals. The median pay is $39,990 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6 months–2 years, and employment is projected to grow +4.2% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$39,990$19.22/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+4.2%2025–35, about as fast as average
- Openings per year6,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train6 months–2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs47,800Employment, 2025
What animal trainers do
Animal trainers shape behavior. Dog trainers teach obedience and solve behavior problems; service dog trainers prepare dogs to help people with disabilities; horse trainers prepare horses for riding and competition; marine mammal trainers work at aquariums. Many trainers teach owners as much as animals.
Most trainers learn through experience and courses; marine mammal trainers usually need degrees. Certifications such as the CPDT-KA show knowledge of positive, science-based training.
Typical duties
- Assess animal behavior
- Teach behaviors using reinforcement
- Run classes and private lessons
- Teach owners training skills
- Prepare animals for service or performance
- Track progress
- Care for animals’ wellbeing
Work environment and schedule
Trainers work in training centers, kennels, homes, parks, stables, aquariums and outdoors.
Schedule: Hours include evenings and weekends for classes.
A day in the life
- Exercise and train service dog candidates.
- Run a puppy socialization class.
- Plan training for a reactive dog.
- Teach a private lesson on leash walking.
See a full day in the life of an animal trainer →
Animal Trainer salary
Half of animal trainers earned more than $39,990 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $29,600 for the lowest 10% to $75,490 for the top 10%.
Full animal trainer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an animal trainer
- Gain animal experience
- Learn training science
- Apprentice
- Earn certification
- Grow
A high school diploma is typical; many trainers learn through apprenticeships and courses. Marine mammal trainers usually need degrees.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an animal trainer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Learning theory
- Positive reinforcement
- Behavior assessment
- Class instruction
- Animal handling
People skills
- Patience
- Communication
- Observation
- Consistency
All animal trainer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Work closely with animals
- Help families and people with disabilities
- Run your own business
- Creative problem solving
Cons
- Irregular income
- Risk of bites and kicks
- Evenings and weekends
- Unregulated field
Certifications and licenses
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA): CCPDT credential.
- Karen Pryor Academy certification: Positive training credential.
- IAABC behavior consultant: Behavior credential.
- Service dog trainer certifications: Program-specific credentials.
Career path
- Assistant Trainer: Learn under experienced trainers.
- Animal Trainer: Train animals and teach owners.
- Behavior Consultant: Handle complex cases.
- Business Owner or Training Director: Run programs or a business.
Learn the job before day one
Our Animal Trainer training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as teach a dog to sit with positive reinforcement and work with a reactive dog, safety and how to land your first job.
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Animal Trainer FAQ
Do dog trainers need certification?
It isn’t legally required, but it shows knowledge.
Can trainers start businesses?
Yes, many do.
Do marine mammal trainers need degrees?
Usually.
How much does an animal trainer make?
The median annual wage for animal trainers was $39,990 ($19.22 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $29,600 and the highest 10% earned more than $75,490.
How long does it take to become an animal trainer?
Most people need about 6 months–2 years of training. A high school diploma is typical; many trainers learn through apprenticeships and courses. Marine mammal trainers usually need degrees.
Do you need a degree to be an animal trainer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More animal trainer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 39-2011 (Animal trainers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Animal trainers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.