AmericaByNumbers.com

Animal Trainers Salary in California

How much does a Animal Trainers make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$46,780
Median Annual Salary
$56,800
Mean Salary
$46,780
Median Salary
$22.49
Hourly Rate
2,470 people work as Animal Trainers in California

About This Job: Animal Trainers

Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for 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.

Top Skills

Instructing
3.75
Speaking
3.5
Learning Strategies
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.38
Active Learning
3.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.05
Education and Training
3.6
Psychology
3.19
Administration and Management
3.12
English Language
3.11
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (44.4% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Animal Trainers in California

Salaries for Animal Trainers in California range from $36,490 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $84,250 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,970 and $60,180.

Median $46,780
P10: $36,490 P25: $38,970 P75: $60,180 P90: $84,250
10th
$36,490
25th
$38,970
Median
$46,780
75th
$60,180
90th
$84,250
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $36,490 $17.54 $3,040
25th Percentile $38,970 $18.74 $3,247
Median (50th) $46,780 $22.49 $3,898
75th Percentile $60,180 $28.93 $5,015
90th Percentile (Experienced) $84,250 $40.50 $7,020

Note: The mean (average) salary of $56,800 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

🚀 What To Do Next

Some links may be affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

What does this salary really buy? See Animal Trainers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Animal Trainers Salary by State

Compare Animal Trainers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Animal Trainers make in California?
The median annual salary for a Animal Trainers in California is $46,780 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $56,800.
What is the salary range for a Animal Trainers in California?
Salaries for Animal Trainers in California range from $36,490 at the 10th percentile to $84,250 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $38,970 and $60,180.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Trainers in California?
Entry-level Animal Trainers positions in California typically start around $36,490 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,970 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Trainers in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 2,470 people are employed as Animal Trainers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in California is approximately $22.49 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS