Animal Trainer salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
Animal Trainers in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area earn a median of $34,310 a year ($16.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $26,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,000 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 1% higher than the Kentucky statewide median of $34,030. There are 0.70 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 5.8× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $41,990, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Lexington-Fayette, KY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $26,070 | $12.53 |
| 25th percentile | $29,560 | $14.21 |
| Median | $34,310 | $16.49 |
| 75th percentile | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,000 | $28.85 |
| Average (mean) | $41,990 | $20.19 |
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 | $2,859.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,429.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,319.62 |
| Weekly | $659.81 |
| Hourly | $16.49 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $34,310 salary, see how much house you can afford in Kentucky 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $34,220 | 180 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $34,030 | 160 |
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 Kentucky statewide figures.
Related jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,940 | $12.95 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $29,230 | $14.05 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $48,600 | $23.37 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,550 | $21.42 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $24,990 | $12.02 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,580 | $18.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,770 | $20.08 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Concierge | $35,810 | $17.22 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,160 | $16.90 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY
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 Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area is $34,310 a year, or $16.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $26,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,000 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area earn at least $60,000 a year. The top 25% earn $46,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $26,070 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $29,560 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
About 200 animal trainers are employed in the Lexington-Fayette, KY metro area, not counting the self-employed.