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Marine Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Aquarium

Trainer - Mammals & Birds

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Minimum two years of aquatic animal husbandry and training working with marine mammals / birds, experience in an AZA/AMMPA accredited institution, or equivalent, with a proven track record of team ...

Shedd Aquarium

(Sr.) Trainer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26 - $35/hr

This role combines exceptional animal care and husbandry with positive reinforcement training ... Core Experience: * 2+ years of experience working with marine mammals, birds, or other exotic ...

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How much do marine animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine animal trainer in the United States is $16.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $14.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a marine animal trainer?

Marine animal trainers are professionals who work with aquatic animals such as dolphins, sea lions, whales, and seals to train them for behaviors, enrichment, medical procedures, public presentations, or research purposes. They use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage animals to perform specific tasks or respond to cues. Marine animal trainers often work at aquariums, marine parks, research facilities, or rehabilitation centers, and also play a role in educating the public about marine wildlife and conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a marine animal trainer?

To thrive as a Marine Animal Trainer, you need a background in animal science, biology, psychology, or a related field, often with hands-on experience through internships or volunteering. Familiarity with operant conditioning techniques, training equipment, and animal care management systems is typically required. Exceptional patience, observation skills, and strong communication abilities help trainers build trust with animals and effectively engage with the public. These competencies are crucial for ensuring animal welfare, successful training outcomes, and positive visitor experiences.

What are some common challenges faced by marine animal trainers in their daily work?

Marine animal trainers often encounter challenges such as building trust and establishing clear communication with animals, which requires patience and consistency. Adapting training techniques to suit individual animals' personalities and learning speeds is also essential. Additionally, trainers must be vigilant about animal health and welfare, working closely with veterinarians and other staff to monitor behavior and well-being. Team collaboration is vital, as trainers regularly coordinate schedules, enrichment activities, and educational presentations with other departments.

What is the difference between Marine Animal Trainer vs Marine Biologist?

AspectMarine Animal TrainerMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications in animal training or marine lifeBachelor’s or higher in marine biology or related field; advanced research degrees
Work EnvironmentAquariums, marine parks, or marine research facilities; hands-on animal interactionResearch labs, fieldwork, academic institutions; focus on study and conservation
Employer & Industry UsageMarine parks, aquariums, zoos, marine entertainmentUniversities, research institutions, conservation organizations

Marine Animal Trainers focus on hands-on training and care of marine animals in entertainment and educational settings, requiring certifications and animal handling skills. Marine Biologists conduct research, study marine ecosystems, and often hold advanced degrees. While both work with marine life, their roles differ in purpose, environment, and qualifications.

How do you become a marine animal trainer?

To become a marine animal trainer, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in marine biology, zoology, or a related field, along with experience working with animals through internships or volunteer work. Certification in CPR and first aid is often required, and strong skills in animal handling, patience, and communication are essential for success in this role.

How much do marine animal trainers make?

Marine animal trainers typically earn a median annual salary of around $30,000 to $50,000, with experienced trainers or those working in specialized facilities earning higher. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and the size of the organization, and trainers often need certifications and hands-on experience working with marine life.
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Marine Animal Trainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Marine Animal Trainer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,875 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Marine Mammal Trainer II

Mississippi Aquarium

Gulfport, MS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION
POSITION SUMMARY
The position requires a highly motivated individual who will take direction from the Curators, Area Supervisors and/or Sr. Vice President of Property Operations in carrying out the animal care routine and maintenance for an assigned set of habitats. The position will also be responsible for maintaining organized written records pertaining to health, feeding, water quality, animal welfare and behavioral observations. This position is responsible for adhering to all aquarium safety, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums (AMMPA) accreditation standards
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists in the daily care and behavioral conditioning of bottlenose dolphins, North American river otters, and other taxa as needed
  • Maintains a superior level of professionalism while performing primary/key roles in daily guest presentation and interaction programs
  • Interacts with guests and crew members in a positive and professional manner
  • Assists Senior Animal Care Specialists with the development and implementation of dynamic animal training projects and programs that serve to enhance animal care, animal management, guest experience, and Aquarium public relations
  • Actively participates in the progression of animal training goals and standards for MSAQ under the direction/supervision of Senior Marine Mammal Trainers and management, including training new behaviors
  • Possess great knowledge of cetacean and mustelid natural history, individual animal histories and husbandry
  • Able to identify all animals in assigned animal areas and observe any possible abnormalities
  • Assist with the developmental goals of Marine Mammal Trainers 1, Assistant Marine Mammal Trainers, and Seasonal Marine Mammal Trainers
  • Understand all area safety guidelines
  • Attend all seminars and all tests required
  • Play a key role in maintaining the highest standards in the areas of husbandry/cleanliness, diet preparation, record keeping, 24-hour animal observations, and facility maintenance
  • To perform other duties as workload necessitates, regardless of time, day, or location
  • Lead training sessions and may be asked to take on the responsibilities of a Senior Marine Mammal Trainer in their absence
  • Perform the execution of all poolside interactive programs and presentations

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A four-year degree in aquatic sciences, zoology, biology, psychology preferred
  • Two or more years of full-time animal care experience from an accredited AMMPA or AZA institution, or equivalent, required
  • Certified SCUBA diver
  • Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening, SCUBA dive physical, and area swim test
  • Record-keeping experience, preferably with the TRACKS system
  • Detailed understanding of the biology, behavior, and natural history of marine mammals, with an emphasis on cetaceans, mustelids and other taxa as needed
  • Detailed knowledge of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement animal behavioral conditioning techniques
  • Excellent observation and communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ethics that generate and sustain a positive team atmosphere and professional environment
  • A valid driver's license and the ability to travel if necessary
  • Ability to work weekends, holidays, days closed due to inclement weather
  • Experience in preparing and conducting public educational programs
  • Able to lift a minimum of sixty (60) pounds
  • Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal

TEAM REQUIREMENTS
  • Safety & Security - All Team Members are required to adhere to all Mississippi Aquarium safety and security standards.
  • Attendance & Appearance - To maximize the guest's experience, all Team Members are required to adhere to Mississippi Aquarium standard operating procedures regarding attendance and dress code policies as it relates to individual job functionality. Tattoos and piercings must be appropriate and in keeping with a professional image. Depending on the work area, management reserves the right to determine that tattoos will need to be covered during your shift.
  • Sales & Guest Services - Our forward-thinking business model requires listening and understanding the needs of our guests both internal and externalTo that end, we must always be focused on the guest experience which is the key driver for return guest visitation and increased sales.
  • Team Partnership - All Team Members are focused on supporting each other to complete the guest experienceTherefore, supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities that promote team effectiveness is vital to our organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note: Position will involve exposure to inclement weather, dust, potentially dangerous and unpredictable animal species, and potentially dangerous machinery, restraint devices and toxic chemicals and/or drugsOccasional use of protective clothing or equipment is required e.g., goggles, mask, gloves, and gowns.
REQUIREMENTS
Company: Mississippi Aquarium
Address: 2100 East Beach Boulevard Gulfport, MS 39501
Phone: 228.241.1300

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