Animal trainers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Animal trainers train animals for obedience, performance, riding, security, or assisting people with disabilities. They familiarize animals with human voices and contact, and they teach animals to respond to commands. Most animal trainers work with dogs and horses, but some work with marine mammals, such as dolphins. Trainers teach a variety of skills. For example, some may train dogs to guide people with disabilities; others teach animals to cooperate with veterinarians, or they train animals for a competition or show.
- Education Required
- Most animal care and service worker positions require at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Training Required
- Most animal care and service workers learn through on-the-job training.
- Job Outlook
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The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 20% (Much faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Although not required by law, certifications may help workers establish their credentials and enhance their skills. For example, several professional associations and hundreds of private vocational and state-approved trade schools offer certification for dog trainers.
- Median pay: How much do Animal Care and Service Workers make?
- $22,230 Annual Salary
- $10.69 per hour
Careers for Animal Care and Service Workers
- Animal care technicians
- Animal caregivers
- Animal caretakers
- Animal daycare providers
- Animal groomers
- Animal shelter workers
- Animal sitters
- Aquarists
- Aquarium tank attendants
- Cat and dog bathers
- Dog bathers
- Dog beauticians
- Dog groomers
- Dog handlers
- Dog sitters
- Dog trainers
- Dolphin trainers
- Groomers
- Grooms
- Guide dog instructors
- Guide dog mobility instructors
- Guide dog trainers
- Horse breakers
- Horse exercisers
- Horse trainers
- Keepers
- Kennel aides
- Kennel attendants
- Kennel helpers
- Kennel workers
- Licensed guide dog instructors
- Lion trainers
- Marine mammal trainers
- Nonfarm animal caretakers
- Pet feeders
- Pet groomers
- Pet sitters
- Pet stylists
- Seeing eye dog trainers
- Zookeepers