Animal Trainer salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Animal Trainers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn a median of $46,890 a year ($22.55 an hour), based on BLS data for 580 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,990 for the top 10%. That is 17% higher than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 2% higher than the Illinois statewide median of $45,830. There are 0.13 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,260, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,730 | $15.25 |
| 25th percentile | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| Median | $46,890 | $22.55 |
| 75th percentile | $60,990 | $29.32 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,990 | $38.94 |
| Average (mean) | $50,260 | $24.16 |
Half of animal trainers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,907.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,953.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,803.46 |
| Weekly | $901.73 |
| Hourly | $22.55 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $46,890 salary, see how much house you can afford in Illinois at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Trainer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $46,020 | 160 |
| Bloomington, IN | $40,600 | 60 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $34,220 | 180 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $34,030 | 160 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $34,010 | 140 |
Highest-paying states for animal trainers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $62,960 |
| Alabama | $55,700 |
| Oregon | $55,520 |
| California | $49,060 |
| New York | $48,790 |
| New Jersey | $46,690 |
| Washington | $46,420 |
| Illinois | $45,830 |
| Connecticut | $45,800 |
| Indiana | $45,270 |
See Animal Trainer pay in every state or the Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $36,110 | $17.36 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,610 | $17.60 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,260 | $16.47 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,170 | $16.43 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,390 | $23.27 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Gambling Dealer | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,240 | $23.67 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $38,100 | $18.32 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,320 | $21.31 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $40,390 | $19.42 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal trainer make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $46,890 a year, or $22.55 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,730 for the lowest-paid 10% to $80,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn at least $80,990 a year. The top 25% earn $60,990 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,730 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $36,440 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
About 580 animal trainers are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, not counting the self-employed.