Animal Trainer salary in Kansas City, MO-KS
Animal Trainers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn a median of $35,950 a year ($17.28 an hour), based on BLS data for 160 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $54,530 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 6% higher than the Missouri statewide median of $34,010. There are 0.14 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $39,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,560 | $15.18 |
| 25th percentile | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Median | $35,950 | $17.28 |
| 75th percentile | $46,190 | $22.21 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Average (mean) | $39,720 | $19.10 |
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 | $2,995.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,497.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,382.69 |
| Weekly | $691.35 |
| Hourly | $17.28 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $35,950 salary, see how much house you can afford in Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | $34,390 | 70 |
| 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 Missouri statewide figures.
Related jobs in Kansas City, MO-KS
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $32,150 | $15.46 |
| Childcare Worker | $31,770 | $15.27 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,680 | $13.79 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,550 | $18.54 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,520 | $15.15 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,180 | $17.40 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,480 | $15.62 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,200 | $22.69 |
| Skincare Specialist | $46,920 | $22.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,090 | $22.16 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,340 | $16.03 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,360 | $17.00 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $46,270 | $22.24 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area is $35,950 a year, or $17.28 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,560 for the lowest-paid 10% to $54,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Kansas City, MO-KS?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area earn at least $54,530 a year. The top 25% earn $46,190 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Kansas City, MO-KS?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,560 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $32,720 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Kansas City, MO-KS?
About 160 animal trainers are employed in the Kansas City, MO-KS metro area, not counting the self-employed.