Animal Trainers Salary in San Diego, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA

Median annual salary $46,780 +20.7% vs national
Median hourly $22.49
10th percentile $36,560
90th percentile $67,090
National median $38,750

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Animal Trainers
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San Diego, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $36,560
    25th
    $38,120
    50th (median)
    $46,780
    75th
    $58,880
    90th
    $67,090

    San Diego economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $102,285 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
    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
    California $46,780

    Related occupations in San Diego, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $35,210
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $48,610
    Recreation Workers $38,500
    Manicurists and Pedicurists $35,470
    Childcare Workers $37,970
    Animal Caretakers $36,460

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Trainers make per hour in San Diego?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Trainers in San Diego, CA is $22.49, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.94 or more per hour.

    Is San Diego above or below average for Animal Trainers salaries?

    The median Animal Trainers salary in San Diego, CA is 20.7% 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 San Diego?

    Entry-level Animal Trainers (10th percentile) earn around $36,560 per year in San Diego, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $38,120.