Animal Trainer salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Animal Trainers in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area earn a median of $36,860 a year ($17.72 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $29,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,900 for the top 10%. That is 8% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 4% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $35,320. The average (mean) salary is $40,280, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,580 | $14.22 |
| 25th percentile | $29,580 | $14.22 |
| Median | $36,860 | $17.72 |
| 75th percentile | $46,720 | $22.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $60,900 | $29.28 |
| Average (mean) | $40,280 | $19.36 |
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 | $3,071.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,535.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,417.69 |
| Weekly | $708.85 |
| Hourly | $17.72 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $36,860 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville, TN | $30,530 | 70 |
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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $32,810 | $15.77 |
| Childcare Worker | $34,450 | $16.56 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,430 | $16.56 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $50,050 | $24.06 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,820 | $13.86 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,590 | $14.71 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,460 | $18.01 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,110 | $18.32 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,510 | $23.32 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,010 | $17.31 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $28,620 | $13.76 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $31,240 | $15.02 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,040 | $22.61 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area is $36,860 a year, or $17.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $60,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metro area earn at least $60,900 a year. The top 25% earn $46,720 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,580 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $29,580 or less.