Animal Trainer salary in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
Animal Trainers in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area earn a median of $36,180 a year ($17.39 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $22,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,900 for the top 10%. That is 10% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 11% higher than the Louisiana statewide median of $32,720. The average (mean) salary is $35,900, close to the median.
Pay range for animal trainers in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $22,630 | $10.88 |
| 25th percentile | $25,430 | $12.22 |
| Median | $36,180 | $17.39 |
| 75th percentile | $43,850 | $21.08 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $48,900 | $23.51 |
| Average (mean) | $35,900 | $17.26 |
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 | $3,015 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,507.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,391.54 |
| Weekly | $695.77 |
| Hourly | $17.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $36,180 salary, see how much house you can afford in Louisiana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
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 Louisiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $29,090 | $13.99 |
| Childcare Worker | $27,630 | $13.28 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,270 | $16.48 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,090 | $12.06 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $28,680 | $13.79 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $26,470 | $12.73 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $48,630 | $23.38 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $26,450 | $12.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,780 | $20.57 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,400 | $13.17 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $36,440 | $17.52 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,530 | $21.89 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $30,040 | $14.44 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in New Orleans-Metairie, LA
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 New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The median salary for animal trainers in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area is $36,180 a year, or $17.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $22,630 for the lowest-paid 10% to $48,900 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the New Orleans-Metairie, LA metro area earn at least $48,900 a year. The top 25% earn $43,850 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in New Orleans-Metairie, LA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $22,630 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $25,430 or less.