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Animal Trainers Salary in South Dakota

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Animal Trainers make in South Dakota?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$38,120
Median Annual Salary
▼ -3.2% vs 2024
$38,100
Mean Salary
$38,120
Median Salary
$18.33
Hourly Rate
30 people work as Animal Trainers in South Dakota

Animal Trainers salary by percentile in South Dakota

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

Animal Trainers salary in South Dakota — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Animal Trainers in South Dakota.10thBottom 10% earn less than $30,530$30,53025th25% earn less than $31,080$31,080MedianHalf earn more than $38,120$38,12075th75% earn less than $42,210$42,21090thTop 10% earn more than $44,780$44,780

Animal Trainers in South Dakota earn a median salary of $38,120 per year ($3,176/month). This is 5.0% below the national average of $40,144. South Dakota ranks #25 out of 47 states for Animal Trainers pay. Approximately 30 people work in this occupation across South Dakota. Salaries decreased by 3.2% 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 South Dakota

Salaries for Animal Trainers in South Dakota range from $30,530 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $44,780 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $31,080 and $42,210.

Median $38,120
P10: $30,530 P25: $31,080 P75: $42,210 P90: $44,780
10th
$30,530
25th
$31,080
Median
$38,120
75th
$42,210
90th
$44,780
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $30,530 $14.68 $2,544
25th Percentile $31,080 $14.94 $2,590
Median (50th) $38,120 $18.33 $3,176
75th Percentile $42,210 $20.29 $3,517
90th Percentile (Experienced) $44,780 $21.53 $3,731

Note: The mean (average) salary of $38,100 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#25
South Dakota ranks #25 of 47 states
$40,144
National avg. for Animal Trainers
-5.0%
vs. national average
Near Average

Similar Jobs That Pay More in South Dakota:

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

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

Explore Animal Trainers Data in South Dakota

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 South Dakota?
The median annual salary for Animal Trainers in South Dakota is $38,120 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $38,100.
What is the salary range for a Animal Trainers in South Dakota?
Salaries for Animal Trainers in South Dakota range from $30,530 at the 10th percentile to $44,780 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $31,080 and $42,210.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Trainers in South Dakota?
Entry-level Animal Trainers positions in South Dakota typically start around $30,530 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $31,080 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Trainers in South Dakota?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 30 people are employed as Animal Trainers in South Dakota.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in South Dakota?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in South Dakota is approximately $18.33 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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