Careers · Animal Trainers · Virginia
Animal Trainers in Virginia
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 Virginia the median pay is $62,960 a year, 57% above the national median of $39,990.
$62,960median pay in Virginia, per year
$41,910–$107,830middle half earn
720employed in Virginia
$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 Virginia
Animal Trainers pay in other states
Alabama · $55,700Oregon · $55,520California · $49,060New York · $48,790New Jersey · $46,690Washington · $46,420Illinois · $45,830Connecticut · $45,800Indiana · $45,270Georgia · $45,250
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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, Virginia, annual.