Animal Trainer salary in Knoxville, TN
Animal Trainers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $30,530 a year ($14.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 70 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,680 for the top 10%. That is 24% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 14% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $35,320. There are 0.17 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $35,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,650 | $13.29 |
| 25th percentile | $27,650 | $13.29 |
| Median | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| 75th percentile | $37,740 | $18.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,680 | $21.48 |
| Average (mean) | $35,350 | $16.99 |
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 | $2,544.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,272.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,174.23 |
| Weekly | $587.12 |
| Hourly | $14.68 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $30,530 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $36,860 | n/a |
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 Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $32,390 | $15.57 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,590 | $14.23 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,650 | $14.74 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,280 | $13.12 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,850 | $16.76 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,670 | $17.15 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,990 | $21.15 |
| Skincare Specialist | $32,910 | $15.82 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,950 | $16.80 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,560 | $14.21 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $34,700 | $16.69 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,180 | $22.20 |
| Concierge | $33,310 | $16.01 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
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 Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $30,530 a year, or $14.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,680 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $44,680 a year. The top 25% earn $37,740 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,650 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $27,650 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Knoxville, TN?
About 70 animal trainers are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.