Animal Trainer salary in Columbia, SC
Animal Trainers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $29,670 a year ($14.27 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $29,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,540 for the top 10%. That is 26% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is about the same as the South Carolina statewide median of $29,670. The average (mean) salary is $33,720, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $29,070 | $13.98 |
| 25th percentile | $29,080 | $13.98 |
| Median | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| 75th percentile | $36,790 | $17.69 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $51,540 | $24.78 |
| Average (mean) | $33,720 | $16.21 |
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 | $2,472.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,236.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,141.15 |
| Weekly | $570.58 |
| Hourly | $14.27 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $35,680 | n/a |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $32,760 | 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 |
See Animal Trainer pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,720 | $14.77 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,850 | $13.87 |
| Recreation Worker | $30,140 | $14.49 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $25,720 | $12.37 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,870 | $22.05 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,710 | $14.76 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,770 | $20.56 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $48,020 | $23.09 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,660 | $19.07 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $22,400 | $10.77 |
| Funeral Attendant | $28,870 | $13.88 |
| Skincare Specialist | $37,870 | $18.21 |
| Concierge | $30,980 | $14.89 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $30,320 | $14.58 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
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 Columbia, SC?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Columbia, SC metro area is $29,670 a year, or $14.27 an hour. Pay ranges from $29,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $51,540 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $51,540 a year. The top 25% earn $36,790 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $29,070 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $29,080 or less.