Animal Trainer salary in Indiana
Animal Trainers in Indiana earn a median of $45,270 a year ($21.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 380 workers.
Pay ranges from $32,100 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,840 for the top 10%. That is 13% higher than the national median of $39,990. Indiana ranks 10th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.12 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $54,810, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Indiana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $32,100 | $15.43 |
| 25th percentile | $36,910 | $17.75 |
| Median | $45,270 | $21.76 |
| 75th percentile | $82,680 | $39.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $86,840 | $41.75 |
| Average (mean) | $54,810 | $26.35 |
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 | $3,772.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,886.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,741.15 |
| Weekly | $870.58 |
| Hourly | $21.76 |
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 Indiana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $46,890 | 580 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $46,020 | 160 |
| Bloomington, IN | $40,600 | 60 |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN | $34,220 | 180 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $34,030 | 160 |
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 Indiana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $29,990 | $14.42 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,180 | $14.51 |
| Recreation Worker | $30,190 | $14.52 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,680 | $13.31 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $34,960 | $16.81 |
| Gambling Dealer | $24,160 | $11.61 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $48,590 | $23.36 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $27,440 | $13.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,560 | $22.39 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,850 | $18.68 |
| Skincare Specialist | $44,450 | $21.37 |
| Funeral Attendant | $34,420 | $16.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $61,680 | $29.65 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Indiana
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 Indiana?
The median salary for animal trainers in Indiana is $45,270 a year, or $21.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $32,100 for the lowest-paid 10% to $86,840 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Indiana?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Indiana earn at least $86,840 a year. The top 25% earn $82,680 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Indiana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $32,100 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $36,910 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Indiana?
About 380 animal trainers are employed in Indiana, not counting the self-employed.