Life As an Animal Trainer
Career 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.
Animal Trainer Responsibilities
- Retrain horses to break bad habits, such as kicking, bolting, or resisting bridling or grooming.
- Place tack or harnesses on horses to accustom horses to the feel of equipment.
- Organize or conduct animal shows.
- 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.
- Instruct jockeys in handling specific horses during races.
- Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
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Things an Animal Trainer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Animal Trainers say are important on the job.
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.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Animal Trainer
- Pet Trainer
- Dog Handler
- Equestrian
- Guide Dog Instructor
- Agility Instructor
Is There Job Demand for Animal Trainers?
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,000 job openings in this field each 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.
Average Animal Trainers Salary
The salary for Animal Trainers ranges between about $20,270 and $55,760 a year.
Animal Trainers who work in Kentucky, Washington, or Illinois, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Animal Trainers 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
Becoming an Animal Trainer
Individuals working as an Animal Trainer have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become an Animal Trainer?
Where do Animal Trainers Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being an Animal Trainer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Corey Hensley via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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