Animal Trainer salary in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Animal Trainers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn a median of $38,370 a year ($18.45 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,990 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 11% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $43,020. There are 0.08 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.63). The average (mean) salary is $47,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| 25th percentile | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| Median | $38,370 | $18.45 |
| 75th percentile | $55,000 | $26.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,990 | $33.17 |
| Average (mean) | $47,330 | $22.75 |
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 | $3,197.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,598.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,475.77 |
| Weekly | $737.88 |
| Hourly | $18.45 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,370 salary, see how much house you can afford in Iowa 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IA | $34,900 | 50 |
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 Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,950 | $14.88 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,760 | $14.31 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,860 | $13.39 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,700 | $18.61 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,640 | $17.13 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,150 | $17.38 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $42,040 | $20.21 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,870 | $12.92 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,730 | $18.62 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,920 | $18.71 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,310 | $18.42 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $23,830 | $11.46 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $70,100 | $33.70 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $22,490 | $10.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
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 Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area is $38,370 a year, or $18.45 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,320 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area earn at least $68,990 a year. The top 25% earn $55,000 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,320 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $35,100 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
About 30 animal trainers are employed in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.