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Animal Trainers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

fwzoo

Animal Programs Swing Keeper

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... the training of assigned animals; guide animals through daily routines according to established training schedules and guidelines • Carry out animal diet directives from Nutritional Services ...

Shedd Aquarium

(Sr.) Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

Trainers play an important role in creating meaningful experiences for both animals and guests while supporting the highest standards of animal welfare. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include ...

County of Sacramento

Animal Care Attendant

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$51K - $63K/yr

A. attendant, zoo attendant, 4-H or farm experience, or animal training experience. Note: If the word "experience" is referenced in the minimum qualifications, it means full-time paid experience ...

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Animal Trainers information

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How much do animal trainers jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal trainers in the United States is $29.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animal Trainers vs Animal Caretakers?

AspectAnimal TrainersAnimal Caretakers
Required CredentialsBasic certifications or experience in animal behaviorOften no formal credentials, but experience helpful
Work EnvironmentTraining facilities, zoos, film sets, private homesAnimal shelters, farms, zoos, pet care facilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntertainment, pet training, wildlife trainingAnimal shelters, pet stores, farms
Common Search & Comparison IntentTraining methods, certifications, job dutiesAnimal care, daily responsibilities, employment options

Animal Trainers focus on teaching animals specific behaviors through training techniques, often requiring certifications or experience. Animal Caretakers primarily provide daily care, feeding, and health monitoring without necessarily needing formal credentials. Both roles work in environments like zoos, shelters, and farms, but their job functions and employer expectations differ significantly.

How do you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, experience working with animals, and knowledge of animal behavior. Many trainers gain skills through internships, volunteering, or certification programs offered by organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Strong communication, patience, and understanding of safety protocols are also important for success in this field.

How much do you make as an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals they work with. Salaries can be higher for those with specialized skills or working in entertainment or marine parks. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced trainers or those with certifications can earn more.

What states have the most Animal Trainers jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animal Trainers jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Animal Trainers jobs?

For Animal Trainers jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Animal Trainers jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Trainers job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,014 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Animal Experiences Specialist

Goddard, KS • On-site

TANGANYIKA WILDLIFE PARK LLC
Travel Arrangement Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about TANGANYIKA WILDLIFE PARK LLCexternal

$16.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Create meaningful connections between guests and animal conservation through safe, engaging, and educational experiences that inspire ongoing support for the park.

  • Train and reinforce behaviors of ambassador animals following established protocols to support animal welfare and guest interaction.

  • Communicate effectively about animal ambassadors, answer guest questions, and share conservation stories.

Job description

Craft WOW Moments. Inspire Action. Drive Conservation.
At Tanganyika Wildlife Park, we go beyond caring for animals. We create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that make you say "WOW". Inspiring generations to become conservation champions.
If you're passionate about animals, driven by purpose, and believe that one moment can change a life then this is where you belong.
Why Tanganyika?
A Front Row Seat to Conservation in Action
We're not a zoo. We're an experience. At Tanganyika, you'll be part of a team pioneering interactive conservation experiences that educate, engage, and empower. We do conservation a bit different our focus is conservation one person at a time. Making people aware of the species, getting them interested, and then calling them to action.
Work That Gives You Goosebumps
From helping a toddler feed a giraffe for the first time to guiding a training session with a curious lemur, your job here is anything but ordinary. This is the kind of place where work and wonder collide.
Real Growth. Real Mentorship. Real Impact.
Whether you're starting your career or seeking your next challenge, Tanganyika invests in you. We care about you beyond the workplace with initiatives to help our team reduce their consumer debt to an employee assistance program to our Dream Manager program, we want you to become the best YOU.
A Culture That Cares-For Animals and Humans
We lead with love, and it shows. Our team is fiercely supportive, deeply passionate, and united by a shared purpose. And yes, your "co-workers" might include sloths, rhinos, and porcupines.
Purpose That Reaches Beyond the Park
Every moment you create here fuels a global mission. Whether it's supporting field conservation projects or inspiring a child to become a future biologist, your work leaves a legacy.
The AES team brings animal encounters to life through behind-the-scenes tours, meet & greets, and offsite programs. From guest engagement to behavior training, this team does it all-with creativity and heart. You'll work with a wide variety of ambassador animals like sloths, macaws, otters, penguins, and more, all while helping guests form unforgettable connections and supporting our broader animal training efforts.
Love training and inspiring others? You'll fit right in!
What You'll Do
  • Create meaningful connections between guests and animal conservation through safe, engaging, and educational experiences that inspire ongoing support for the park.
  • Maintain thorough knowledge of ambassador species and stay current on their conservation status.
  • Communicate effectively about animal ambassadors, answering guest questions and sharing conservation stories.
  • Train and reinforce behaviors following established protocols to support animal welfare and guest interaction.
  • Assist zookeepers with training sessions and provide constructive feedback to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Evaluate each ambassador session and document progress accurately in the Animal Care Software.
  • Uphold high standards of cleanliness, safety, and professionalism in all AES areas.
  • Provide occasional husbandry support to other Care Team departments as needed.

What You Bring
  • 1+ years of experience training animals in an ambassador setting or 2+ years of husbandry training experience.
  • Basic understanding of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement training
  • Excellent public speaking and customer service skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work long hours, weekend, weekdays, holidays
  • Ability to stand and walk for up to 8 hours per day with frequent stooping and bending
  • Ability to routinely lift up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
  • Desire to grow as a team member and human being

What We Offer
  • Year round, full-time position
  • Starting hourly rate of $16.50/hr with pay modifiers for training experience and/or keeper experience
  • Professional development program (tiers and badges) that allows staff to improve their skill set and earn additional pay compensation
  • Click the link to see TWP Benefits

Apply at https://tagannyikawildlifeparkllc.easyapply.co
If you have any issues apply please email amoody@twpark.com for assistance.

Apply