Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The type of animal trained and the trainer's level of experience also affect wages.
Animal trainers who work full time generally receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.
Animal trainers (SOC 39-2011)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||
| 25% |
Median |
75% |
||
| Illinois | Hourly | $17.10 | $22.59 | $29.49 |
| Yearly | $35,579 | $46,991 | $61,325 | |
| Cook County | Hourly | $18.46 | $24.68 | $30.82 |
| Yearly | $38,378 | $51,333 | $64,110 | |
| Decatur Area | Hourly | $16.18 | $16.18 | $20.62 |
| Yearly | $33,661 | $33,661 | $42,890 | |
| Dekalb-Elgin-Aurora Area | Hourly | $15.64 | $17.96 | $23.11 |
| Yearly | $32,532 | $37,366 | $48,068 | |
| Lake County | Hourly | $15.85 | $20.51 | $23.18 |
| Yearly | $32,965 | $42,654 | $48,228 | |
| United States | Hourly | $16.22 | $19.22 | $25.76 |
| Yearly | $33,740 | $39,990 | $53,580 | |