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Animal Trainers Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Animal Trainers make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$45,830
Median Annual Salary
▲ +32.6% vs 2024
$48,230
Mean Salary
$45,830
Median Salary
$22.03
Hourly Rate
680 people work as Animal Trainers in Illinois

Animal Trainers salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Animal Trainers salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Animal Trainers in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $31,570$31,57025th25% earn less than $34,700$34,700MedianHalf earn more than $45,830$45,83075th75% earn less than $59,810$59,81090thTop 10% earn more than $72,810$72,810

Animal Trainers in Illinois earn a median salary of $45,830 per year ($3,819/month). This is 14.2% above the national average of $40,144. Illinois ranks #8 out of 47 states for Animal Trainers pay. Approximately 680 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 32.6% 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)

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

Salary Range: Animal Trainers in Illinois

Salaries for Animal Trainers in Illinois range from $31,570 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $72,810 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $34,700 and $59,810.

Median $45,830
P10: $31,570 P25: $34,700 P75: $59,810 P90: $72,810
10th
$31,570
25th
$34,700
Median
$45,830
75th
$59,810
90th
$72,810
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $31,570 $15.18 $2,630
25th Percentile $34,700 $16.68 $2,891
Median (50th) $45,830 $22.03 $3,819
75th Percentile $59,810 $28.75 $4,984
90th Percentile (Experienced) $72,810 $35.00 $6,067

Note: The mean (average) salary of $48,230 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
Illinois ranks #8 of 47 states
$40,144
National avg. for Animal Trainers
+14.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

How much do you actually take home? See Animal Trainers take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Animal Trainers Data in Illinois

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 do Animal Trainers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Animal Trainers in Illinois is $45,830 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $48,230.
What is the salary range for a Animal Trainers in Illinois?
Salaries for Animal Trainers in Illinois range from $31,570 at the 10th percentile to $72,810 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $34,700 and $59,810.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Trainers in Illinois?
Entry-level Animal Trainers positions in Illinois typically start around $31,570 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $34,700 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Trainers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 680 people are employed as Animal Trainers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in Illinois is approximately $22.03 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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