Animal Trainer salary in West Virginia
Animal Trainers in West Virginia earn a median of $37,080 a year ($17.83 an hour), based on BLS data for 100 workers.
Pay ranges from $29,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,750 for the top 10%. That is 7% lower than the national median of $39,990. West Virginia ranks 30th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.14 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $46,540, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in West Virginia
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,510 | $14.19 |
| 25th percentile | $33,430 | $16.07 |
| Median | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| 75th percentile | $48,710 | $23.42 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,750 | $36.90 |
| Average (mean) | $46,540 | $22.37 |
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 | $3,090 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,545 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,426.15 |
| Weekly | $713.08 |
| Hourly | $17.83 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $37,080 salary, see how much house you can afford in West Virginia at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Trainer salary in cities in West Virginia
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $50,460 | 650 |
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 West Virginia
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $28,550 | $13.73 |
| Childcare Worker | $27,710 | $13.32 |
| Recreation Worker | $29,710 | $14.28 |
| Residential Advisor | $31,840 | $15.31 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,480 | $16.58 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,230 | $12.13 |
| Gambling Dealer | $25,100 | $12.07 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $36,230 | $17.42 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,120 | $18.33 |
| Funeral Attendant | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| Gambling Service Workers, All Other | $19,030 | $9.15 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $23,400 | $11.25 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $59,210 | $28.47 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in West Virginia
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 West Virginia?
The median salary for animal trainers in West Virginia is $37,080 a year, or $17.83 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,510 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,750 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in West Virginia?
The top 10% of animal trainers in West Virginia earn at least $76,750 a year. The top 25% earn $48,710 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in West Virginia?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,510 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $33,430 or less.
How many animal trainers work in West Virginia?
About 100 animal trainers are employed in West Virginia, not counting the self-employed.