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Animal Training Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Woodland Park Zoo

Animal Keeper (Various)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$38.25/hr

Participate in animal training, enrichment, behavioral husbandry, capture, restraint, transport, and emergency response activities using established safety protocols. * Collaborate with animal care ...

San Bernardino County

Animal Keeper I

San Bernardino, CA

$19.41 - $28.18/hr

Primary duties include feeding exotic animals, observing and documenting animal behavior, answering questions from the public, assisting with presentations, animal training, performing maintenance in ...

OMAHA ZOO GROUP

Keeper - Great Apes

Omaha, NE · On-site

$18.62/hr

Must have a general knowledge of animal husbandry. * Will aid in maintaining standardized training programs, including goal development and record keeping, includes assisting with currently ...

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How much do animal training jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 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.

What are the career paths for animal training?

Career paths for animal training include roles such as professional animal trainers, behaviorists, and rehabilitation specialists. These careers often require knowledge of animal behavior, certification, and experience working with different species, and can lead to opportunities in zoos, aquariums, film and television, or private training services.

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.

How do you become an animal trainer?

To become an animal trainer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience working with animals. Many trainers gain skills through internships, volunteering, or working in related fields such as zoos, shelters, or pet stores, and some pursue certifications from professional organizations to enhance credibility.

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.

How much does an animal training earn?

Animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of animals trained. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working with high-profile clients or organizations.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,056 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Animal Training (Zoological Specialist, Associate to Senior 1)

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$13.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!
What you get to do:
Enthusiastically represent SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job. Provide for proper nutrition, appropriate and sanitary living conditions, and constant care for our park animals. These positions safely fulfill duties in animal/guest interactions, animal training, husbandry, enrichment, public presentations, and research:
  • Perform daily husbandry tasks including administration of vitamins and medications as directed, food preparation, maintaining a safe and sanitary working area for all animal habitats.
  • Responsible for guest, personal, and animal safety by developing awareness of the behavioral precursors of potentially harmful behavior by both animals and people.
  • Make daily observations of animals and report any abnormalities to staff supervisor and team.
  • Maintain all animal records, equipment, area responsibilities, and communication requirements daily.
  • Provide and maintain a work environment that follows the established guidelines and safety procedures set by the department and park.
  • Function as an Ambassador by displaying consideration, tolerance, cooperation, open communication, and reliability. Maintain a consistent attitude, motivation, and ability to accept feedback.
  • Successfully represent company in Public Relations or Media situations/events.
  • Perform roles in education and public shows to develop speaking skills and stage presence.
  • Engage in and execute all aspects of guest interaction programs.
  • Provide proactive guest service through guest interactions, pre- and post-show interactions, and responding to guest inquiries.
  • Work with animals using behavioral modification techniques as instructed. Train behavior to completion under minimal supervision.
  • Other duties as assigned by leadership.

What it takes to succeed:
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Have high school diploma or equivalent. College background in psychology, zoology or biology preferred
  • Be Open Water SCUBA certified.
  • Be able to pass both SeaWorld pre-employment and post-employment swim test and diving physical.
  • Have a working knowledge of the English language with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Basic math skills required.
  • Be able to frequently lift, pull, push 50 pounds.
  • Be able to stand, walk, and work for prolonged periods of time in extreme weather conditions.
  • Be willing to work a flexible schedule to include weekdays, weekends, evenings, overnights, and holidays.
  • Ability to receive CPR certification.
  • Flexible in work locations as placement will depend on business needs and career development opportunities
  • Consistently practice safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting, and reporting of unsafe situations.
  • Be willing to comply with, and ensure Ambassadors comply with, all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.

Be able to successfully complete all legal, company, and department training requirements to include but not limited to passing required tests and certifications within
Desired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Biology or a related field preferred
  • Marine mammal experience preferred
  • Guest service experience preferred

SeaWorld San Antonio is proud to have an established Zoo Career Growth structure. Our Zoo Specialist levels are determined based on AZA or equivalent facility experience and skills of individual candidates. Structure includes Associate, Specialist, Senior, or Senior I.
Compensation: $13.50 - $21.00 per hour, contingent on professional zoological animal care experience at an AZA or equivalent facility
As a 365 day/year operation, candidates must be available to work varying shifts/hours to support year-round operating needs. This may include working opening, mid-day, closing shifts, overnight shifts, weekends and holidays.
The perks of the position:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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