Animal Trainers
O*NET 39-2011.00 · SOC 39-2011
Animal Trainer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $40k a year with +4.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 6,500 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Teach animals specific behaviors using reward-based training methods
- →Condition animals to tolerate handling, equipment, and public settings
- →Evaluate animal progress and adjust training plans accordingly
- →Cue trained animals to perform during shows or demonstrations
- →Maintain training records tracking each animal's behavioral progress
Education & How to Get In
Animal Trainer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Animal Trainer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Animal Trainer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Animal Trainer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Animal Trainers is projected to grow 4.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·40% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does an Animal Trainer make?
The median Animal Trainer earns $40k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Animal Trainer jobs?
Our model puts Animal Trainer at 31 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 40% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress; industry sector with low automation exposure.
Is Animal Trainer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 6,500 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be an Animal Trainer?
Most Animal Trainer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become an Animal Trainer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is an Animal Trainer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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