Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Animal Trainers
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.
Table of contents
What they do
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.
- Train horses or other equines for riding, harness, show, racing, or other work, using knowledge of breed characteristics, training methods, performance standards, and the peculiarities of each animal.
- Cue or signal animals during performances.
- Talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them with human voices or contact.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
Typical day
On a daily basis, Animal Trainers place tack or harnesses on horses to accustom horses to the feel of equipment. They talk to or interact with animals to familiarize them with human voices or contact.
A typical day for an Animal Trainer will also include:
- Observe animals’ physical conditions to detect illness or unhealthy conditions requiring medical care.
- Use oral, spur, rein, or hand commands to condition horses to carry riders or to pull horse-drawn equipment.
- Keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
- Retrain horses to break bad habits, such as kicking, bolting, or resisting bridling or grooming.
- Conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, Animal Trainers also instruct jockeys in handling specific horses during races. They may also advise animal owners regarding the purchase of specific animals.
On a weekly to monthly basis, Animal Trainers administer prescribed medications to animals. They might also keep records documenting animal health, diet, or behavior.
In addition, they organize or conduct animal shows.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them evaluate animals for trainability and ability to perform.
To some Animal Trainers, it is also their responsibility to conduct training programs to develop or maintain desired animal behaviors for competition, entertainment, obedience, security, riding, or related purposes.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
69% said they were satisfied with their job and 60% said they found their job meaningful.
I do both virtual and in-person consultations for cat owners experiencing behavioral issues with their cats. It could be anything from training cats to stop jumping up on the counter to troubleshooting why your cat has stopped using the litter box. On a typical day, I am working on creating educational content for my website and social media and meeting with clients. I guide my clients through their concerns and teach them how to live more peacefully with their cats.
Pros
I love having the opportunity to educate people about cats. There are not many cat behavior consultants or trainers out there, and cats are often considered to be second class citizens next to dogs. I believe I am a valuable and much-needed resource to cat owners who often don’t know where else to turn.
Cons
However, this is a double-edged sword. Because many people believe the stereotypes that cats are just being jerks or that they can’t be trained, some people don’t see a need for my services. This is why I focus so much on client and public education.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want independence and like to work on their own and make decisions.
This career is perfect for people who love to work outdoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to work with designs.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Animal Trainers with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $21,550 to $25,160 per year or $10 to $12 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $62,040 | $30 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $43,370 | $21 |
| Median | $31,520 | $15 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $25,160 | $12 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $21,550 | $10 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Animal Trainers based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Civic and Social Organizations | $62330 | $29.96 |
| Local Government | $48070 | $23.11 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $45300 | $21.78 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | $44750 | $21.52 |
| Spectator Sports | $44670 | $21.47 |
| Support Activities for Animal Production | $44380 | $21.34 |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | $40240 | $19.34 |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services | $40090 | $19.28 |
| Performing Arts Companies | $39730 | $19.10 |
| Individual and Family Services | $39600 | $19.04 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Animal Trainers work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Animal Trainers including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other Personal Services | 4790 | $39460 | $18.97 |
| Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers | 2970 | $27710 | $13.32 |
| Spectator Sports | 1810 | $44670 | $21.47 |
| Support Activities for Animal Production | 1780 | $44380 | $21.34 |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | 750 | $40240 | $19.34 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | 400 | $44750 | $21.52 |
| Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 300 | $31240 | $15.02 |
| Other Amusement and Recreation Industries | 200 | $30510 | $14.67 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | 100 | $45300 | $21.78 |
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | 60 | $ | $* |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Anthrozoology
Animal Training
Equestrian/Equine Studies
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like working with ideas and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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