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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Animal Trainers

Median Salary
38,810
Job Outlook
+15%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Train animals for riding, harness, security, performance, or obedience, or for assisting persons with disabilities. Accustom animals to human voice and contact, and condition animals to respond to commands. Train animals according to prescribed standards for show or competition. May train animals to carry pack loads or work as part of pack team.

What sectors do they work in?

Self-employed

46%

Private for profit

45%

Private not for profit

6%

State and local government

1%

Federal Government

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of animal care and service workers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 84,500 openings for animal care and service workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$27,030

10%

$38,810

Median

$57,410

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    44%

  • Less than high school

    22%

  • Some college

    16%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    7%

  • Associate's degree

    6%

  • Bachelor's degree

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Equestrian/Equine Studies
  • Animal Training
  • Anthrozoology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Education and Training
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology
  • Administrative
  • English Language

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.