Animal Trainer salary in Arkansas
Animal Trainers in Arkansas earn a median of $39,400 a year ($18.94 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,260 for the top 10%. That is 1% lower than the national median of $39,990. Arkansas ranks 20th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.09 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.73). The average (mean) salary is $43,410, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Arkansas
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,280 | $15.04 |
| 25th percentile | $34,300 | $16.49 |
| Median | $39,400 | $18.94 |
| 75th percentile | $54,030 | $25.98 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $59,260 | $28.49 |
| Average (mean) | $43,410 | $20.87 |
Half of animal trainers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,283.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,641.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,515.38 |
| Weekly | $757.69 |
| Hourly | $18.94 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Trainer salary in cities in Arkansas
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $34,300 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for animal trainers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $62,960 |
| Alabama | $55,700 |
| Oregon | $55,520 |
| California | $49,060 |
| New York | $48,790 |
| New Jersey | $46,690 |
| Washington | $46,420 |
| Illinois | $45,830 |
| Connecticut | $45,800 |
| Indiana | $45,270 |
Related jobs in Arkansas
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,230 | $14.54 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,450 | $13.68 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,850 | $12.91 |
| Recreation Worker | $27,770 | $13.35 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $28,830 | $13.86 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $42,140 | $20.26 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $39,420 | $18.95 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,300 | $18.41 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $36,830 | $17.71 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,380 | $13.65 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $36,120 | $17.37 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,520 | $17.56 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,050 | $13.49 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $27,690 | $13.31 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Arkansas
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal trainer make in Arkansas?
The median salary for animal trainers in Arkansas is $39,400 a year, or $18.94 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,280 for the lowest-paid 10% to $59,260 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Arkansas?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Arkansas earn at least $59,260 a year. The top 25% earn $54,030 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Arkansas?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,280 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $34,300 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Arkansas?
About 110 animal trainers are employed in Arkansas, not counting the self-employed.