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Animal Trainers Salary in Tennessee

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Animal Trainers make in Tennessee?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$35,320
Median Annual Salary
▼ -5.2% vs 2024
$38,750
Mean Salary
$35,320
Median Salary
$16.98
Hourly Rate
310 people work as Animal Trainers in Tennessee

Animal Trainers salary by percentile in Tennessee

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

Animal Trainers salary in Tennessee — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Animal Trainers in Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $27,650$27,65025th25% earn less than $29,580$29,580MedianHalf earn more than $35,320$35,32075th75% earn less than $43,300$43,30090thTop 10% earn more than $56,450$56,450

Animal Trainers in Tennessee earn a median salary of $35,320 per year ($2,943/month). This is 12.0% below the national average of $40,144. Tennessee ranks #34 out of 47 states for Animal Trainers pay. Approximately 310 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries decreased by 5.2% 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 Tennessee

Salaries for Animal Trainers in Tennessee range from $27,650 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $56,450 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $29,580 and $43,300.

Median $35,320
P10: $27,650 P25: $29,580 P75: $43,300 P90: $56,450
10th
$27,650
25th
$29,580
Median
$35,320
75th
$43,300
90th
$56,450
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $27,650 $13.29 $2,304
25th Percentile $29,580 $14.22 $2,465
Median (50th) $35,320 $16.98 $2,943
75th Percentile $43,300 $20.82 $3,608
90th Percentile (Experienced) $56,450 $27.14 $4,704

Note: The mean (average) salary of $38,750 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#34
Tennessee ranks #34 of 47 states
$40,144
National avg. for Animal Trainers
-12.0%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Animal Trainers Data in Tennessee

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Animal Trainers in Tennessee is $35,320 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $38,750.
What is the salary range for a Animal Trainers in Tennessee?
Salaries for Animal Trainers in Tennessee range from $27,650 at the 10th percentile to $56,450 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $29,580 and $43,300.
What is the starting salary for a Animal Trainers in Tennessee?
Entry-level Animal Trainers positions in Tennessee typically start around $27,650 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $29,580 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Animal Trainers in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 310 people are employed as Animal Trainers in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Animal Trainers in Tennessee is approximately $16.98 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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