Animal Trainers Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $36,130 -6.8% vs national
Median hourly $17.37
10th percentile $30,260
90th percentile $51,670
Employed locally 30
National median $38,750

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Animal Trainers
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Knoxville, TN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $30,260
    25th
    $33,750
    50th (median)
    $36,130
    75th
    $36,900
    90th
    $51,670

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Trainers salary vs area income 52% Median Animal Trainers salary is 48% 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
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $44,730
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $36,760
    Chattanooga, TN-GA $35,710

    Related occupations in Knoxville, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $29,030
    Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $18,240
    Animal Caretakers $30,000
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $29,290
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $36,130
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $23,630

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Trainers make per hour in Knoxville?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Trainers in Knoxville, TN is $17.37, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $21.48 or more per hour.

    Is Knoxville above or below average for Animal Trainers salaries?

    The median Animal Trainers salary in Knoxville, TN is 6.8% 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 Knoxville?

    Entry-level Animal Trainers (10th percentile) earn around $30,260 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $33,750.