Animal Trainers Salary in Virginia
Animal Trainers in Virginia earn a median annual wage of $62,960 —57.4% above the national median of $39,990. That ranks VA #1 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 is 1.45× as concentrated as the national average, making Virginia a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for animal trainers
All 47 states ranked by median annual wage. Virginia 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 Virginia
Occupations in the same job family, compared within Virginia.
| Occupation | Virginia median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Childcare Workers | $34,330 | $34,980 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,910 | $32,150 |
| Recreation Workers | $36,120 | $36,560 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,820 | $47,160 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | — | $35,790 |
| Animal Caretakers | $34,380 | $35,360 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do animal trainers make in Virginia?
The median annual wage for animal trainers in Virginia is $62,960, or $30.27 per hour. That is 57.4% above the national median of $39,990.
What is the entry-level animal trainers salary in Virginia?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $35,270 per year ($16.96/hour). The 25th percentile is $41,910.
How many people work as animal trainers in Virginia?
About 720 people work in this occupation in Virginia, or 0.2 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is Virginia a good state for animal trainers?
Virginia ranks #1 of 47 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.45x as concentrated as the national average, making Virginia a strong market for this occupation.
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).