Animal Trainer salary in South Carolina
Animal Trainers in South Carolina earn a median of $29,670 a year ($14.27 an hour), based on BLS data for 200 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,280 for the top 10%. That is 26% lower than the national median of $39,990. South Carolina ranks 47th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.09 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.71). The average (mean) salary is $33,580, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,040 | $13.00 |
| 25th percentile | $28,840 | $13.86 |
| Median | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| 75th percentile | $35,630 | $17.13 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,280 | $20.81 |
| Average (mean) | $33,580 | $16.14 |
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 | $2,472.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,236.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,141.15 |
| Weekly | $570.58 |
| Hourly | $14.27 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $29,670 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Trainer salary in cities in South Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $35,680 | n/a |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $32,760 | 40 |
| Columbia, SC | $29,670 | n/a |
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 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $31,280 | $15.04 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,650 | $14.26 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,040 | $13.00 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,420 | $15.10 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $43,630 | $20.98 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,100 | $21.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $49,550 | $23.82 |
| Residential Advisor | $35,780 | $17.20 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,490 | $12.73 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,670 | $19.07 |
| Funeral Attendant | $29,880 | $14.36 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $33,810 | $16.26 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,190 | $16.92 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
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 South Carolina?
The median salary for animal trainers in South Carolina is $29,670 a year, or $14.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,040 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,280 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of animal trainers in South Carolina earn at least $43,280 a year. The top 25% earn $35,630 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,040 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $28,840 or less.
How many animal trainers work in South Carolina?
About 200 animal trainers are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.