Animal trainers
SOC Code: 39-2011Also known as:
Agility Instructor, Animal Handler, Animal Trainer, Bronc Breaker, Bronc Buster
Median Annual Salary
$38,750
+5.1% growth (2024-2034)
7K
Openings/Year
47K
Current Jobs
What Animal trainers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$38,750
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+5.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
7K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
47,300
Projected Employment (2034)
49,800
Related Careers
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers
$37,320 •
+8.7% growth
Animal control workers
$45,830 •
+3.9% growth
Animal caretakers
$33,470 •
+12.1% growth
Animal breeders
$52,000 •
+2.4% growth
Farmworkers, farm, ranch, and aquacultural animals
$36,150 •
-5.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Instructing
Speaking
Learning Strategies
Critical Thinking
Active Learning
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
- Feed or exercise animals or provide other general care, such as cleaning or maintaining holding or performance areas.
- Observe animals' physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Evaluate animals to determine their temperaments, abilities, or aptitude for training.
- Administer prescribed medications to animals.
- Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
- Evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
- Advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Animal trainers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a animal trainers:
Equestrian/Equine Studies
658 degrees awarded •
46 colleges offer this program
Animal Training
172 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Anthrozoology
55 degrees awarded •
3 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Animal trainers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become animal trainers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do animal trainers make?
The median annual salary for animal trainers is $38,750.
What education do animal trainers need?
Most animal trainers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Equestrian/Equine Studies, Animal Training, Anthrozoology.
Is becoming animal trainers a good career choice?
Animal trainers is projected to see +5.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 7,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for animal trainers?
Top colleges for aspiring animal trainers include
University of Pennsylvania, Colorado State University-Fort Collins, University of Missouri-Columbia, Texas Tech University, College of Central Florida.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to animal trainers?
Animal trainers may also be known as: Agility Instructor, Animal Handler, Animal Trainer, Bronc Breaker, Bronc Buster, Canine Handler, Canine Service Teacher, Cat Groomer, Dog Groomer, Dog Handler, Dog Obedience Instructor, Dog Show Judge, Dog Trainer, Dolphin Trainer, Elephant Tamer, Equestrian, Equestrian Trainer, Explosive Detection K-9 Handler (Explosive Detection Canine Handler), Guide Dog Instructor, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.