Animal Trainers Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $33,240 -14.2% vs national
Median hourly $15.98
10th percentile $20,150
90th percentile $113,800
Employed locally 30
National median $38,750

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Animal Trainers
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Charleston, SC
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $20,150
    25th
    $30,310
    50th (median)
    $33,240
    75th
    $46,440
    90th
    $113,800

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Trainers salary vs area income 40% Median Animal Trainers salary is 60% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Animal Trainers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC $94,390
    Urban Honolulu, HI $72,080
    Hawaii $72,080
    Colorado Springs, CO $64,590
    Birmingham, AL $63,330
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $60,390

    Nearby metros — Animal Trainers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $53,340
    Columbia, SC $44,770
    Wisconsin $40,360
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $37,780
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $37,510
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $32,760

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $29,590
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $29,030
    Recreation Workers $37,680
    Animal Caretakers $31,550
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $33,430
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $45,770

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Trainers make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Trainers in Charleston, SC is $15.98, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $54.71 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Animal Trainers salaries?

    The median Animal Trainers salary in Charleston, SC is 14.2% below the national median of $38,750. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Animal Trainers in Charleston?

    Entry-level Animal Trainers (10th percentile) earn around $20,150 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $30,310.