The median annual wage for animal trainers was $26,610 in May 2015.
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $18,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $57,170.
The median annual wage for nonfarm animal caretakers was $21,010 in May 2015.
The lowest 10 percent earned less than $17,160, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $34,780.
Animals need care around the clock; many facilities, such as kennels, animal shelters, and stables, must be staffed 24 hours a day. Therefore, animal caretakers often work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays. About 1 in 4 animal trainers and about 1 in 3 nonfarm animal caretakers worked part time in 2014. Self-employed workers often set their own schedule.
Animal Care and Service Workers
Median annual wages, May 2015
Total, all occupations
$36,200
Animal trainers
$26,610
Personal care and service occupations
$21,850
Animal care and service workers
$21,260
Nonfarm animal caretakers
$21,010
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics