Animal Trainer salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Animal Trainers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area earn a median of $99,190 a year ($47.69 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $31,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,280 for the top 10%. That is 148% higher than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 58% higher than the Virginia statewide median of $62,960. The average (mean) salary is $76,380, close to the median.
Pay range for animal trainers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,660 | $15.22 |
| 25th percentile | $40,210 | $19.33 |
| Median | $99,190 | $47.69 |
| 75th percentile | $99,200 | $47.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,280 | $47.73 |
| Average (mean) | $76,380 | $36.72 |
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 | $8,265.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $4,132.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,815 |
| Weekly | $1,907.50 |
| Hourly | $47.69 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $99,190 salary, see how much house you can afford in Virginia 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $55,560 | 160 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $50,460 | 650 |
| Richmond, VA | $46,820 | 110 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $39,560 | 40 |
| Wilmington, NC | $37,080 | 50 |
| Asheville, NC | $36,970 | 50 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $35,680 | 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 |
See Animal Trainer pay in every state or the Virginia statewide figures.
Related jobs in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,870 | $14.84 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Recreation Worker | $37,050 | $17.81 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,610 | $18.56 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,660 | $13.78 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,260 | $13.59 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,920 | $22.08 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,280 | $21.29 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,350 | $17.48 |
| Skincare Specialist | $34,190 | $16.44 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $27,460 | $13.20 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| Funeral Attendant | $31,240 | $15.02 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area is $99,190 a year, or $47.69 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $99,280 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metro area earn at least $99,280 a year. The top 25% earn $99,200 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,660 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $40,210 or less.