Animal Trainer salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Animal Trainers in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area earn a median of $64,430 a year ($30.98 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $42,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,060 for the top 10%. That is 61% higher than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 31% higher than the California statewide median of $49,060. The average (mean) salary is $62,820, close to the median.
Pay range for animal trainers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $42,830 | $20.59 |
| 25th percentile | $64,430 | $30.98 |
| Median | $64,430 | $30.98 |
| 75th percentile | $64,430 | $30.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,060 | $32.72 |
| Average (mean) | $62,820 | $30.20 |
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 | $5,369.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,684.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,478.08 |
| Weekly | $1,239.04 |
| Hourly | $30.98 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,430 salary, see how much house you can afford in California 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 |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $61,490 | 300 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $58,160 | 60 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $54,810 | 80 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $51,230 | 830 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $50,420 | 70 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | $49,150 | 230 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $44,170 | 110 |
| Fresno, CA | $43,620 | 30 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $43,070 | 200 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | $41,770 | 40 |
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 California statewide figures.
Related jobs in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $37,970 | $18.25 |
| Childcare Worker | $38,390 | $18.46 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,130 | $16.89 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $59,300 | $28.51 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,870 | $18.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,760 | $17.68 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $36,230 | $17.42 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $57,140 | $27.47 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $35,210 | $16.93 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $55,710 | $26.78 |
| Residential Advisor | $45,340 | $21.80 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $43,670 | $21.00 |
| Concierge | $44,840 | $21.56 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $43,160 | $20.75 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
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 Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area is $64,430 a year, or $30.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $42,830 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,060 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA metro area earn at least $68,060 a year. The top 25% earn $64,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $42,830 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $64,430 or less.