Animal Trainer salary in Connecticut
Animal Trainers in Connecticut earn a median of $45,800 a year ($22.02 an hour), based on BLS data for 290 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,580 for the top 10%. That is 15% higher than the national median of $39,990. Connecticut ranks 9th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.17 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $52,340, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Connecticut
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,530 | $17.56 |
| 25th percentile | $37,260 | $17.92 |
| Median | $45,800 | $22.02 |
| 75th percentile | $61,510 | $29.57 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $68,580 | $32.97 |
| Average (mean) | $52,340 | $25.16 |
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 | $3,816.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,908.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,761.54 |
| Weekly | $880.77 |
| Hourly | $22.02 |
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 Connecticut
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $59,710 | 60 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | $49,170 | 110 |
| Norwich-New London-Willimantic, CT | $37,720 | 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 |
Related jobs in Connecticut
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $37,310 | $17.94 |
| Childcare Worker | $36,660 | $17.63 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,610 | $17.60 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,720 | $16.69 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $44,620 | $21.45 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $61,580 | $29.61 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,860 | $16.76 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $53,980 | $25.95 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $52,720 | $25.34 |
| Residential Advisor | $43,620 | $20.97 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| Skincare Specialist | $43,680 | $21.00 |
| Funeral Attendant | $45,800 | $22.02 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $36,130 | $17.37 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Connecticut
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 Connecticut?
The median salary for animal trainers in Connecticut is $45,800 a year, or $22.02 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,530 for the lowest-paid 10% to $68,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Connecticut?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Connecticut earn at least $68,580 a year. The top 25% earn $61,510 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Connecticut?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,530 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $37,260 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Connecticut?
About 290 animal trainers are employed in Connecticut, not counting the self-employed.