Animal Trainer salary in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
Animal Trainers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn a median of $44,160 a year ($21.23 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $38,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,600 for the top 10%. That is 10% higher than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is about the same as the Colorado statewide median of $44,290. There are 0.10 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| 25th percentile | $42,500 | $20.43 |
| Median | $44,160 | $21.23 |
| 75th percentile | $46,230 | $22.23 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $65,600 | $31.54 |
| Average (mean) | $46,760 | $22.48 |
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 | $3,680 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,840 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,698.46 |
| Weekly | $849.23 |
| Hourly | $21.23 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $44,160 salary, see how much house you can afford in Colorado 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | $58,090 | 40 |
| Boulder, CO | $46,510 | 30 |
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 Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $37,640 | $18.10 |
| Childcare Worker | $44,320 | $21.31 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $36,240 | $17.42 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,530 | $17.56 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,640 | $19.06 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,390 | $17.98 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $57,660 | $27.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $57,190 | $27.49 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $43,370 | $20.85 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $35,590 | $17.11 |
| Gambling Dealer | $30,800 | $14.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
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 Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area is $44,160 a year, or $21.23 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,120 for the lowest-paid 10% to $65,600 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area earn at least $65,600 a year. The top 25% earn $46,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,120 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $42,500 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO?
About 170 animal trainers are employed in the Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.