Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Animal Trainers Salary in District of Columbia
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Animal Trainers make in District of Columbia?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$38,200
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.5% vs 2024
$43,290
Mean Salary
$38,200
Median Salary
$18.37
Hourly Rate
Animal Trainers salary by percentile in District of Columbia
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Animal Trainers in District of Columbia earn a median salary of $38,200 per year ($3,183/month).
This is 4.8% below the national average of $40,144.
District of Columbia ranks #24 out of 47 states for Animal Trainers pay.
Salaries increased by 4.5% 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)
Salary Range: Animal Trainers in District of Columbia
Salaries for Animal Trainers in District of Columbia range from $38,200 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $66,440 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,200 and $39,230.
Median $38,200
P10: $38,200P25: $38,200P75: $39,230P90: $66,440
10th
$38,200
25th
$38,200
Median
$38,200
75th
$39,230
90th
$66,440
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$38,200
$18.37
$3,183
25th Percentile
$38,200
$18.37
$3,183
Median (50th)
$38,200
$18.37
$3,183
75th Percentile
$39,230
$18.86
$3,269
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$66,440
$31.94
$5,536
Note: The mean (average) salary of $43,290 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#24
District of Columbia ranks #24 of 47 states
$40,144
National avg. for Animal Trainers
-4.8%
vs. national average
Near Average
Similar Jobs That Pay More in District of Columbia:
How much do Animal Trainers make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for Animal Trainers in District of Columbia is $38,200 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $43,290.
What is the salary range for a Animal Trainers in District of Columbia?
Salaries for Animal Trainers in District of Columbia range from $38,200 at the 10th percentile to $66,440 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,200 and $39,230.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Trainers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level Animal Trainers positions in District of Columbia typically start around $38,200 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,200 (25th percentile).
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in District of Columbia?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in District of Columbia is approximately $18.37 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.