Animal Trainer salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Animal Trainers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area earn a median of $50,260 a year ($24.16 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,810 for the top 10%. That is 26% higher than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 8% higher than the Washington statewide median of $46,420. There are 0.08 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.67). The average (mean) salary is $50,870, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,720 | $19.10 |
| 25th percentile | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| Median | $50,260 | $24.16 |
| 75th percentile | $57,220 | $27.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,810 | $28.76 |
| Average (mean) | $50,870 | $24.46 |
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 | $4,188.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,094.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,933.08 |
| Weekly | $966.54 |
| Hourly | $24.16 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $50,260 salary, see how much house you can afford in Washington 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $66,040 | 110 |
| Bellingham, WA | $40,540 | 30 |
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 Washington statewide figures.
Related jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $44,060 | $21.19 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $56,380 | $27.11 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $59,810 | $28.76 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $39,330 | $18.91 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $50,800 | $24.42 |
| Recreation Worker | $45,990 | $22.11 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $44,250 | $21.28 |
| Childcare Worker | $43,710 | $21.02 |
| Gambling Dealer | $60,490 | $29.08 |
| Skincare Specialist | $80,510 | $38.71 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $68,020 | $32.70 |
| Concierge | $47,830 | $23.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $63,560 | $30.56 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $63,630 | $30.59 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area is $50,260 a year, or $24.16 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,720 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area earn at least $59,810 a year. The top 25% earn $57,220 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,720 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $44,930 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
About 170 animal trainers are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metro area, not counting the self-employed.