Animal Trainers Salary in Riverside, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA

Median annual salary $42,220 +9% vs national
Median hourly $20.30
10th percentile $34,210
90th percentile $67,580
Employed locally 290
National median $38,750

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Animal Trainers
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Riverside, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $34,210
    25th
    $37,610
    50th (median)
    $42,220
    75th
    $45,790
    90th
    $67,580

    Riverside economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $86,031 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Trainers salary vs area income 49% Median Animal Trainers salary is 51% 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
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $60,390
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $53,340
    Raleigh-Cary, NC $49,170
    Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $48,480
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $47,600
    San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $46,780

    Related occupations in Riverside, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Manicurists and Pedicurists $33,770
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $34,130
    Childcare Workers $37,020
    Recreation Workers $36,160
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $47,200
    Gambling Dealers $33,280

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Trainers make per hour in Riverside?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Trainers in Riverside, CA is $20.30, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.49 or more per hour.

    Is Riverside above or below average for Animal Trainers salaries?

    The median Animal Trainers salary in Riverside, CA is 9% above 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 Riverside?

    Entry-level Animal Trainers (10th percentile) earn around $34,210 per year in Riverside, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $37,610.