Animal Trainer salary in Boulder, CO
Animal Trainers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn a median of $46,510 a year ($22.36 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $39,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,400 for the top 10%. That is 16% higher than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 5% higher than the Colorado statewide median of $44,290. There are 0.18 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $48,330, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Boulder, CO
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,030 | $18.77 |
| 25th percentile | $45,690 | $21.97 |
| Median | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| 75th percentile | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| Average (mean) | $48,330 | $23.24 |
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 | $3,875.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,937.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,788.85 |
| Weekly | $894.42 |
| Hourly | $22.36 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Trainer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | $58,090 | 40 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $44,160 | 170 |
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 |
See Animal Trainer pay in every state or the Colorado statewide figures.
Related jobs in Boulder, CO
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $37,720 | $18.13 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $51,820 | $24.92 |
| Childcare Worker | $43,380 | $20.86 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $37,140 | $17.86 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $48,120 | $23.13 |
| Recreation Worker | $39,260 | $18.87 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $57,130 | $27.47 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $60,150 | $28.92 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,440 | $26.17 |
| Residential Advisor | $45,290 | $21.77 |
| Concierge | $40,140 | $19.30 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Boulder, CO
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 Boulder, CO?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Boulder, CO metro area is $46,510 a year, or $22.36 an hour. Pay ranges from $39,030 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,400 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Boulder, CO?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Boulder, CO metro area earn at least $47,400 a year. The top 25% earn $46,510 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Boulder, CO?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $39,030 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $45,690 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Boulder, CO?
About 30 animal trainers are employed in the Boulder, CO metro area, not counting the self-employed.