Animal Trainer salary in Iowa
Animal Trainers in Iowa earn a median of $43,020 a year ($20.68 an hour), based on BLS data for 180 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,860 for the top 10%. That is 8% higher than the national median of $39,990. Iowa ranks 15th 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 $50,450, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Iowa
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,070 | $14.94 |
| 25th percentile | $34,600 | $16.63 |
| Median | $43,020 | $20.68 |
| 75th percentile | $64,580 | $31.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $83,860 | $40.32 |
| Average (mean) | $50,450 | $24.25 |
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 | $3,585 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,792.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,654.62 |
| Weekly | $827.31 |
| Hourly | $20.68 |
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 Iowa
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $38,370 | 30 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $34,900 | 50 |
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 Iowa
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,080 | $14.46 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,420 | $13.66 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,430 | $13.19 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,700 | $17.17 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,700 | $16.20 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,160 | $17.39 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $41,950 | $20.17 |
| Gambling Dealer | $23,020 | $11.07 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,850 | $17.72 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $38,780 | $18.64 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $25,720 | $12.37 |
| Skincare Specialist | $37,080 | $17.83 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $63,700 | $30.63 |
| Funeral Attendant | $40,060 | $19.26 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Iowa
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 Iowa?
The median salary for animal trainers in Iowa is $43,020 a year, or $20.68 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $83,860 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Iowa?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Iowa earn at least $83,860 a year. The top 25% earn $64,580 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Iowa?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,070 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $34,600 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Iowa?
About 180 animal trainers are employed in Iowa, not counting the self-employed.