Animal Trainers
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Animal Trainers to increase by 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, from 47,800 to 49,700 jobs. Its estimate of 6,500 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($39,990), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
47,800
Projected employment (2034)
49,700
Projected change (2024–2034)
4%
Annual openings (projected average)
6,500
Pay & Preparation
$39,990
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Instructing (3.75/5) • Learning Strategies (3.5/5) • Speaking (3.5/5) • Critical Thinking (3.38/5) • Active Learning (3.25/5) • Monitoring (3.12/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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