Animal Trainer salary in Colorado
Animal Trainers in Colorado earn a median of $44,290 a year ($21.29 an hour), based on BLS data for 330 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,420 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,330 for the top 10%. That is 11% higher than the national median of $39,990. Colorado ranks 13th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.11 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $50,010, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Colorado
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,420 | $17.51 |
| 25th percentile | $39,530 | $19.01 |
| Median | $44,290 | $21.29 |
| 75th percentile | $46,760 | $22.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $67,330 | $32.37 |
| Average (mean) | $50,010 | $24.04 |
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 | $3,690.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,845.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,703.46 |
| Weekly | $851.73 |
| Hourly | $21.29 |
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 Colorado
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO | $58,090 | 40 |
| Boulder, CO | $46,510 | 30 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Colorado
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $37,430 | $18.00 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,750 | $19.59 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $35,770 | $17.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $49,900 | $23.99 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,690 | $18.12 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,820 | $18.67 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $58,640 | $28.19 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,110 | $17.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $54,530 | $26.22 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $38,380 | $18.45 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $42,840 | $20.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $54,500 | $26.20 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $37,930 | $18.24 |
| Gambling Dealer | $30,800 | $14.81 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Colorado
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 Colorado?
The median salary for animal trainers in Colorado is $44,290 a year, or $21.29 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,420 for the lowest-paid 10% to $67,330 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Colorado?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Colorado earn at least $67,330 a year. The top 25% earn $46,760 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Colorado?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,420 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $39,530 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Colorado?
About 330 animal trainers are employed in Colorado, not counting the self-employed.