What You Need to Know About Animal Trainers

Animal Trainer Definition 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.

Daily Life Of an Animal Trainer

• Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.
• Cue or signal animals during performances.
• Place tack or harnesses on horses to accustom horses to the feel of equipment.
• 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.
• Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
• Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.

Animal Trainer Skills

Animal Trainers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Instructing: Teaching others how to do something.

Learning Strategies: Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

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.

Related Job Titles for this Occupation:

• Dog Show Judge
• Dog Handler
• Equestrian Trainer
• Trainer
• Trick Rodeo Rider

Job Opportunities for Animal Trainers

There were about 54,900 jobs for Animal Trainers in 2016 (in the United States).

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.2% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 6,100 new jobs for Animal Trainers by 2026. There will be an estimated 7,000 positions for Animal Trainer per year.

The states with the most job growth for Animal Trainers are California, Florida, and Texas.

Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Delaware, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for Animal Trainers

The average yearly salary of an Animal Trainer ranges between $20,270 and $55,760. An Animal Trainer median salary is $29,290.

How much do Animal Trainers make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Iowa	$72,160
Kentucky	$60,660
Illinois	$46,150
Washington	$41,880
California	$41,600
Arizona	$38,420
Massachusetts	$38,280
Connecticut	$36,870
Arkansas	$36,690
South Carolina	$36,630
New York	$36,610
Delaware	$35,880
Virginia	$35,870
New Hampshire	$35,610
New Mexico	$35,580
West Virginia	$34,100
New Jersey	$33,740
Indiana	$33,200
Alabama	$32,900
Alaska	$32,470
Nebraska	$32,330
Maryland	$32,210
Florida	$32,210
Michigan	$32,160
Georgia	$31,830
Minnesota	$31,640
Hawaii	$31,410
Missouri	$31,210
Pennsylvania	$31,190
Colorado	$30,690
Maine	$29,310
Utah	$29,050
Texas	$29,040
Wisconsin	$28,890
Louisiana	$28,730
Oklahoma	$28,590
Ohio	$28,280
Tennessee	$28,220
Nevada	$28,060
Kansas	$28,050
Oregon	$27,930
North Carolina	$27,500
Mississippi	$21,250
Idaho	$19,850

Tools & Technologies Used by Animal Trainers

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Animal Trainers:

• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft Project
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Windows

How do I Become an Animal Trainer?

Learn what Animal Trainer education requirements there are.

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Animal Trainers Are Employed

You May Also Be Interested In…

Those thinking about becoming Animal Trainers might also be interested in the following careers:

• Animal Control Workers

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons