Animal Trainer salary in Illinois
Animal Trainers in Illinois earn a median of $45,830 a year ($22.03 an hour), based on BLS data for 680 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,810 for the top 10%. That is 15% higher than the national median of $39,990. Illinois ranks 8th 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 $48,230, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Illinois
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,570 | $15.18 |
| 25th percentile | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| Median | $45,830 | $22.03 |
| 75th percentile | $59,810 | $28.76 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,810 | $35.00 |
| Average (mean) | $48,230 | $23.19 |
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 | $3,819.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,909.58 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,762.69 |
| Weekly | $881.35 |
| Hourly | $22.03 |
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 Illinois
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $46,890 | 580 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $34,010 | 140 |
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 Illinois
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $35,570 | $17.10 |
| Childcare Worker | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,480 | $17.06 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $32,770 | $15.75 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,020 | $22.61 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,330 | $21.79 |
| Residential Advisor | $44,130 | $21.22 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| Gambling Dealer | $31,200 | $15.00 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,050 | $17.81 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $40,390 | $19.42 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median salary for animal trainers in Illinois is $45,830 a year, or $22.03 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,570 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Illinois?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Illinois earn at least $72,810 a year. The top 25% earn $59,810 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Illinois?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,570 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $34,700 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Illinois?
About 680 animal trainers are employed in Illinois, not counting the self-employed.