Animal Trainer salary in District of Columbia
Animal Trainers in District of Columbia earn a median of $38,200 a year ($18.37 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $38,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,440 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $39,990. District of Columbia ranks 24th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. The average (mean) salary is $43,290, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in District of Columbia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $38,200 | $18.37 |
| 25th percentile | $38,200 | $18.37 |
| Median | $38,200 | $18.37 |
| 75th percentile | $39,230 | $18.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $66,440 | $31.94 |
| Average (mean) | $43,290 | $20.81 |
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 | $3,183.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,591.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,469.23 |
| Weekly | $734.62 |
| Hourly | $18.37 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,200 salary, see how much house you can afford in District of Columbia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Trainer salary in cities in District of Columbia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $50,460 | 650 |
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 |
Related jobs in District of Columbia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $44,210 | $21.25 |
| Concierge | $38,230 | $18.38 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $39,210 | $18.85 |
| Childcare Worker | $47,340 | $22.76 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $54,570 | $26.23 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $46,460 | $22.34 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $49,210 | $23.66 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $56,670 | $27.24 |
| Shampooer | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,960 | $18.25 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia?
The median salary for animal trainers in District of Columbia is $38,200 a year, or $18.37 an hour. Pay ranges from $38,200 for the lowest-paid 10% to $66,440 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in District of Columbia?
The top 10% of animal trainers in District of Columbia earn at least $66,440 a year. The top 25% earn $39,230 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in District of Columbia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $38,200 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $38,200 or less.