Animal Trainers

Also Called: Dog Trainer, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (GDMI), Horse Trainer, Trainer

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$28,960

Entry Salary

Bright

Job outlook

What Animal Trainers do

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.

  • Cue or signal animals during performances.
  • Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them to human voices or contact.
  • Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
Industry Areas:

Hospitality • Retail Sales and Services

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Freedom to Make Decisions
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Structured versus Unstructured Work
  • Spend Time Standing
  • Contact With Others

Tools

  • Domestic pet training kits
  • Harnesses or its accessories
  • Pet grooming products
  • Reins
  • Leashes or leads

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Oracle software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Oracle PeopleSoft
SAP software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Instructing
  • Learning Strategies
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Learning

Knowledge

Business
customer service
management
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Math and Science
psychology
Arts and Humanities
English language

Education

  • 44% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 23% Less than high school diploma
  • 17% Some college, no degree

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Animal Trainers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, & Illustrators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

Craft Artists

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Buyers & Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College

    Tifton, GA

  • Alabama A & M University

    Normal, AL

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Self Control
  • Independence
  • Cooperation

Values

  • Independence
  • Relationships
  • Achievement

Abilities

  • Verbal
  • Ideas and Logic
  • Endurance

This is what Animal Trainers across the country typically make.

$13.92 / hour
$28,960 /year

Entry Level

$18.66 / hour
$38,810 /year

Median Level

$31.40 / hour
$65,320 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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