Animal Trainers Salary in Des Moines, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $38,370 -1% vs national
Median hourly $18.45
10th percentile $30,320
90th percentile $68,990
Employed locally 30
National median $38,750

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Animal Trainers
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Des Moines, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,320
    25th
    $35,100
    50th (median)
    $38,370
    75th
    $55,000
    90th
    $68,990

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Trainers salary vs area income 46% Median Animal Trainers salary is 54% 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
    Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC $94,390
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $60,390
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $48,710
    California $46,780
    Columbia, SC $44,770
    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO $42,790

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $30,560
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,320
    Animal Caretakers $30,070
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $37,060
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $38,060
    Recreation Workers $33,140

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Trainers make per hour in Des Moines?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Trainers in Des Moines, IA is $18.45, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.17 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines above or below average for Animal Trainers salaries?

    The median Animal Trainers salary in Des Moines, IA is 1% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Animal Trainers (10th percentile) earn around $30,320 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $35,100.