Animal Trainers Salary in California
Animal Trainers in California earn a median annual wage of $49,060 —22.7% above the national median of $39,990. That ranks CA #4 of 47 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment concentration (1.03×) is close to the national average.
Highest-paying states for animal trainers
All 47 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia | $62,960 | $30.27 | 720 | 1.45 |
| 2 | Alabama | $55,700 | $26.78 | 170 | 0.67 |
| 3 | Oregon | $55,520 | $26.69 | 140 | 0.60 |
| 4 | California | $49,060 | $23.59 | 2,270 | 1.03 |
| 5 | New York | $48,790 | $23.46 | 970 | 0.83 |
| 6 | New Jersey | $46,690 | $22.45 | 480 | 0.92 |
| 7 | Washington | $46,420 | $22.32 | 360 | 0.84 |
| 8 | Illinois | $45,830 | $22.03 | 680 | 0.92 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $45,800 | $22.02 | 290 | 1.39 |
| 10 | Indiana | $45,270 | $21.76 | 380 | 0.98 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $40,020 | $34,980 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,000 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $39,780 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $57,990 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,660 | $35,790 |
| Animal Caretakers | $38,700 | $35,360 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do animal trainers make in California?
The median annual wage for animal trainers in California is $49,060, or $23.59 per hour. That is 22.7% above the national median of $39,990.
What is the entry-level animal trainers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $37,300 per year ($17.94/hour). The 25th percentile is $39,730.
How many people work as animal trainers in California?
About 2,270 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.1 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for animal trainers?
California ranks #4 of 47 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment concentration (1.03x) is close to the national average.
Which state pays animal trainers the most?
Virginia has the highest median wage at $62,960 per year, followed by Alabama ($55,700) and Oregon ($55,520).