Careers · Animal Trainers · District of Columbia
Animal Trainers in District of Columbia
Animal trainers condition animals to respond to commands and behave according to specific standards. They work with animals for riding, security, performance, obedience, or to assist people with disabilities In District of Columbia the median pay is $38,200 a year, 4% below the national median of $39,990.
$38,200median pay in District of Columbia, per year
$38,200–$39,230middle half earn
$39,990U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal trainers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal trainers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
InstructingSpeakingLearning StrategiesCritical ThinkingActive LearningActive ListeningMonitoringJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and TrainingPsychologyAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageSales and Marketing
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Animal Trainers.
Licenses and training in District of Columbia
Animal Trainers pay in other states
Virginia · $62,960Alabama · $55,700Oregon · $55,520California · $49,060New York · $48,790New Jersey · $46,690Washington · $46,420Illinois · $45,830Connecticut · $45,800Indiana · $45,270
Related occupations
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal trainers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against animal trainers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 39-2011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, District of Columbia, annual.