Shigoto Zukan
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How to become animal trainerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$39,990
25th–75th pct. $33,740–$53,580
Top pay (est.)
$98,100
Top 10% $75,490
Pay in 5 years
$47,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$55,300est.
$47,500–$64,200
Outlook score
65/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
13%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.2%
6,500 openings / yr

How to become animal trainers

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Animal Trainers

Key skills

Learning Strategies
3.9
Monitoring
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.4
Active Learning
3.1
Instructing
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Coordination
3.0
Social Perceptiveness
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Education and Training
4.3
Customer and Personal Service
4.2
Psychology
3.7
Administrative
3.4
English Language
3.0
Administration and Management
2.9
Sales and Marketing
2.8
Computers and Electronics
2.5

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsHandling and Moving ObjectsThinking CreativelyCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningOriginalityInductive Reasoning

Education of workers

High school diploma
44%
Less than high school
23%
Some college
17%
Post-secondary certificate
8%
Associate's degree
7%
Bachelor's degree
2%

Training before entry

1–3 months
25%
1–2 years
20%
6–12 months
14%
Up to 1 month
13%
None / short demo
8%
2–4 years
8%
3–6 months
4%
4–10 years
4%
Over 10 years
3%

Related work experience

2–4 years
31%
None
16%
6–12 months
15%
1–2 years
10%
3–6 months
9%
Over 10 years
7%
4–6 years
6%
1–3 months
5%
6–8 years
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as animal trainers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.