Animal trainers teach animals to respond to commands and behave in specific ways. The work is hands-on, involves direct interaction with animals and their owners, and you can enter the field with a high school education. Here is what the job involves and how to get there.
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Animal trainers work directly with animals to teach them commands, correct unwanted behaviors, and prepare them for specific roles or environments. You'll spend time making decisions about training methods, demonstrating techniques, and communicating with owners about progress and expectations. The work is physical, requiring you to move around, handle animals safely, and sometimes perform demonstrations. You'll also think creatively to solve behavioral problems, listen actively to what owners need, and explain training strategies clearly. Your days involve a mix of hands-on animal work and conversations with the people who care for them.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Animal Trainers earn a median of $39,990 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 7,100 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You can start with a high school diploma or equivalent. Most positions require some on-the-job training and hands-on experience working with animals. Many trainers begin by working in kennels, shelters, stables, or other animal care settings to build foundational skills. You'll develop expertise through practice, mentorship, and learning from experienced trainers. Some trainers pursue additional education in animal behavior or training methods to deepen their knowledge and credibility. The path emphasizes learning by doing and building a track record of successful training outcomes.
Most animal trainers start with entry-level animal care work and build their training skills on the job. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the animal trainer path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to map out the next steps.
Many animal trainers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You are drawn to hands-on, practical work with animals and people. You solve problems creatively, communicate clearly, and learn best by doing rather than sitting in a classroom.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).