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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for animal training in the United States is $18.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Animal Training Jobs?

Animal training jobs include a wide variety of positions, a few examples being dog trainers, horse trainers, agility instructors, or jobs training guide dogs and other service animals. In any of these careers, your duties and responsibilities may include teaching animals to behave and follow cues or signals for performances or completing a task for their owner. You may also teach the animals how to familiarize themselves with human voices and commands and monitor the animals’ health and mood. While many of the skills required for these jobs carry over from one to the other, they are very different careers with different qualifications.

How to be an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, gain experience working with animals through volunteering or entry-level positions, and develop skills in animal behavior, training techniques, and communication. Many trainers pursue certifications from organizations like the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants or attend specialized training programs. A strong understanding of animal welfare and patience are essential for success in this field.

What is the difference between Animal Training vs Animal Behavior Specialist?

AspectAnimal TrainingAnimal Behavior Specialist
CredentialsCertifications in training techniques, animal handlingAdvanced degrees in animal behavior, certifications in behavior analysis
Work EnvironmentZoological parks, pet training centers, aquariumsResearch facilities, veterinary clinics, animal behavior consulting
Employer & IndustryZoos, pet industry, entertainmentAcademic, research, veterinary, consulting

Animal Training focuses on teaching animals specific behaviors through conditioning, often for entertainment, obedience, or safety. Animal Behavior Specialists analyze and modify complex animal behaviors, often requiring advanced education. While both roles involve working with animals, Animal Training emphasizes practical skill development, whereas Animal Behavior Specialists focus on understanding and treating behavioral issues.

What are some common challenges animal trainers face when working with new animals, and how are they typically addressed?

Animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust, overcoming fear or anxiety in animals, and addressing behavioral issues. These challenges are typically managed through consistent positive reinforcement, patience, and gradual acclimation to new environments or routines. Trainers also collaborate closely with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and owners to develop tailored training plans that prioritize the animal’s well-being and learning pace. Ongoing communication and observation are key to successfully addressing and adapting to each animal’s unique needs.

What qualifications do you need to be an animal trainer?

Animal trainers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Many employers prefer candidates with knowledge of animal behavior, training techniques, and certifications from organizations like the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). Practical experience, patience, and good communication skills are also important for success in this field.

What jobs can I do if I love animals?

Animal training is a career that involves teaching animals to perform specific behaviors for entertainment, assistance, or companionship, often requiring knowledge of animal behavior and training techniques. Other related jobs include veterinary technician, zookeeper, pet groomer, animal shelter worker, or pet trainer, which may require certifications or specialized skills. These roles typically involve working closely with animals and may require physical activity and patience.

What is the highest paid animal job?

The highest paid animal training jobs are often in specialized fields such as marine mammal trainers, zoo curators, or animal behavior consultants, with salaries reaching six figures for experienced professionals. These roles typically require advanced education, certifications, and extensive experience working with complex or high-profile animals in professional settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Animal Trainer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Animal Trainer, you need a solid understanding of animal behavior, training techniques, and often a background in biology, zoology, or psychology. Familiarity with training tools, positive reinforcement methods, and sometimes certifications from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) are beneficial. Patience, strong observation skills, and clear communication are important soft skills for building trust with animals and collaborating with owners. These skills ensure effective training outcomes, safety, and positive relationships between animals and humans.

What is animal training?

Animal training involves teaching animals specific behaviors or responses to commands using various techniques, such as positive reinforcement, repetition, and consistency. Trainers work with a variety of animals including dogs, horses, marine mammals, and even exotic species, depending on the setting. The goal of animal training can range from basic obedience and companionship to specialized tasks like service work, performance, or assisting with research. Professional animal trainers need patience, a deep understanding of animal behavior, and strong communication skills. Training methods should always prioritize the animal's welfare and well-being.
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Animal Training jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animal Training job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.
Laboratory Animal Training Specialist

Laboratory Animal Training Specialist

University of Mississippi

Oxford, MS • On-site

$42K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

University Of Mississippi rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

156th of 541 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Mississippi - fondly referred to as Ole Miss - stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member - student, faculty, and staff - can achieve their fullest potential.

Join the Ole Miss Family - Build Your Legacy Here!

Department:

Office for Research & Economic Development

Job Summary:

The Laboratory Animal Training Specialist provides technical and general training to research faculty, students, and staff on the care and use of laboratory animals.

Job Description:

The Laboratory Animal Training Specialist develops, coordinates, delivers, and evaluates training programs that support the humane care and use of laboratory animals in research, teaching, and testing activities. This position promotes compliance with institutional policies and procedures, federal regulations, accreditation standards, and best practices related to animal care and use by providing education and training for faculty, staff, students, and other personnel working with laboratory animals. Reporting to the Attending Veterinarian, the Laboratory Animal Training Specialist collaborates with the Attending Veterinarian to develop training requirements, establish competency standards, and implement processes for assessing and documenting personnel qualifications and procedural competency.

The Laboratory Animal Training Specialist serves as a subject matter resource for animal care and use training and works collaboratively with research personnel, veterinary staff, the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and research compliance personnel to ensure individuals are appropriately trained and qualified to perform animal-related procedures and responsibilities.

Job Responsibilities:

Preferred Qualifications

Certification through the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) at the LAT, LATG, or CMAR level. Experience developing and delivering adult education or professional training programs. Experience working in an AAALAC-accredited laboratory animal program. Experience supporting IACUC activities, animal research compliance, or veterinary services programs.

Experience conducting hands-on procedural and competency-based training.


Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of laboratory animal care and use principles, animal welfare standards, and applicable regulations and guidelines. Knowledge of adult learning principles, instructional methods, and training program development. Ability to effectively teach and communicate technical information to diverse audiences. Ability to provide constructive feedback and coaching. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to maintain accurate records and training documentation. Ability to interpret and apply institutional policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

Education Qualifications:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

Relevant experience| 10 Years| Required

Compensation:

$42,640.00 - $63,980.80

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

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