Animal Trainers Salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Median annual salary $48,710 +25.7% vs national
Median hourly $23.42
10th percentile $33,120
90th percentile $116,510
Employed locally 620
National median $38,750

Compare Animal Trainers salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Animal Trainers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $33,120
    25th
    $36,540
    50th (median)
    $48,710
    75th
    $102,830
    90th
    $116,510

    Washington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $123,896 2023 • Census ACS
    Animal Trainers salary vs area income 39% Median Animal Trainers salary is 61% 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

    Related occupations in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV

    OccupationMedian salary
    Childcare Workers $35,460
    Amusement and Recreation Attendants $35,910
    Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $44,690
    Animal Caretakers $35,760
    Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $43,610
    Concierges $36,770

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Animal Trainers make per hour in Washington?

    The median hourly wage for Animal Trainers in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is $23.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $58.74 or more per hour.

    Is Washington above or below average for Animal Trainers salaries?

    The median Animal Trainers salary in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV is 25.7% 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 Washington?

    Entry-level Animal Trainers (10th percentile) earn around $33,120 per year in Washington, DC-VA-MD-WV. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,540.