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Marine Animal Trainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an ...

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an ...

Indianapolis Zoo

Aquarist

Indianapolis, IN

Prior experience at a public zoo or aquarium working with marine fish, invertebrates, water quality, and animal training is highly desirable. The successful candidate must be team-oriented with an ...

WildLifeBuzz

$76 - $85/hr

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience ... For Marine Mammals and Aquatics Lead ACS positions, SCUBA Certification is required. * Good ...

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WildLifeBuzz

Lead Animal Care Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$76 - $85/hr

Bachelor's degree in relevant biological field or equivalent combination of training and experience ... For Marine Mammals and Aquatics Lead ACS positions, SCUBA Certification is required. * Good ...

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How much do marine animal trainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 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.

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 yesterday

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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