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Animal Trainers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Trainers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$49,060
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.9% vs 2024
$55,570
Mean Salary
$49,060
Median Salary
$23.59
Hourly Rate
2,270 people work as Animal Trainers in California
Animal Trainers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Trainers in California earn a median salary of $49,060 per year ($4,088/month).
This is 22.2% above the national average of $40,144.
California ranks #4 out of 47 states for Animal Trainers pay.
Approximately 2,270 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 4.9% compared to 2024.
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)
Salaries for Animal Trainers in California range from $37,300 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $78,770 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $39,730 and $64,280.
Median $49,060
P10: $37,300P25: $39,730P75: $64,280P90: $78,770
10th
$37,300
25th
$39,730
Median
$49,060
75th
$64,280
90th
$78,770
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,300
$17.93
$3,108
25th Percentile
$39,730
$19.10
$3,310
Median (50th)
$49,060
$23.59
$4,088
75th Percentile
$64,280
$30.90
$5,356
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$78,770
$37.87
$6,564
Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,570 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
The median annual salary for Animal Trainers in California is $49,060 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,570.
What is the salary range for a Animal Trainers in California?
Salaries for Animal Trainers in California range from $37,300 at the 10th percentile to $78,770 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $39,730 and $64,280.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Trainers in California?
Entry-level Animal Trainers positions in California typically start around $37,300 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $39,730 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Trainers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,270 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 $23.59 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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