Animal Trainer salary in South Dakota
Animal Trainers in South Dakota earn a median of $38,120 a year ($18.33 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,780 for the top 10%. That is 5% lower than the national median of $39,990. South Dakota ranks 25th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.07 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.62). The average (mean) salary is $38,100, close to the median.
Pay range for animal trainers in South Dakota
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| 25th percentile | $31,080 | $14.94 |
| Median | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| 75th percentile | $42,210 | $20.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $44,780 | $21.53 |
| Average (mean) | $38,100 | $18.32 |
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 | $3,176.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,588.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,466.15 |
| Weekly | $733.08 |
| Hourly | $18.33 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,120 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Dakota 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 |
Related jobs in South Dakota
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| Childcare Worker | $27,940 | $13.43 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,730 | $14.29 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,070 | $19.26 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $49,800 | $23.94 |
| Recreation Worker | $42,270 | $20.32 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $35,100 | $16.88 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,860 | $23.97 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $45,310 | $21.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,470 | $21.38 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $47,840 | $23.00 |
| Gambling Dealer | $36,190 | $17.40 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in South Dakota
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 Dakota?
The median salary for animal trainers in South Dakota is $38,120 a year, or $18.33 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $44,780 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in South Dakota?
The top 10% of animal trainers in South Dakota earn at least $44,780 a year. The top 25% earn $42,210 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in South Dakota?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,530 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $31,080 or less.
How many animal trainers work in South Dakota?
About 30 animal trainers are employed in South Dakota, not counting the self-employed.