Animal Trainer salary in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
Animal Trainers in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn a median of $38,540 a year ($18.53 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,490 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 21% lower than the New York statewide median of $48,790. There are 0.10 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $44,050, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| 25th percentile | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Median | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| 75th percentile | $44,430 | $21.36 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $61,490 | $29.56 |
| Average (mean) | $44,050 | $21.18 |
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 | $3,211.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,605.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,482.31 |
| Weekly | $741.15 |
| Hourly | $18.53 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $38,540 salary, see how much house you can afford in New York at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Trainer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $50,020 | 970 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | $44,950 | 60 |
| Rochester, NY | $44,760 | 40 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $43,010 | 60 |
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 New York statewide figures.
Related jobs in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $34,840 | $16.75 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,410 | $17.03 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,640 | $16.17 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $33,730 | $16.22 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,920 | $23.04 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $32,950 | $15.84 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $32,240 | $15.50 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $47,480 | $22.83 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,270 | $15.99 |
| Skincare Specialist | $34,770 | $16.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,930 | $22.56 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $40,220 | $19.34 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $32,510 | $15.63 |
| Funeral Attendant | $37,630 | $18.09 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY
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 Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area is $38,540 a year, or $18.53 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,240 for the lowest-paid 10% to $61,490 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area earn at least $61,490 a year. The top 25% earn $44,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,240 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $35,090 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY?
About 50 animal trainers are employed in the Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metro area, not counting the self-employed.