Animal Trainer salary in Massachusetts
Animal Trainers in Massachusetts earn a median of $43,580 a year ($20.95 an hour), based on BLS data for 510 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,810 for the top 10%. That is 9% higher than the national median of $39,990. Massachusetts ranks 14th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.14 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $49,390, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Massachusetts
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,670 | $16.19 |
| 25th percentile | $33,670 | $16.19 |
| Median | $43,580 | $20.95 |
| 75th percentile | $57,160 | $27.48 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,810 | $39.81 |
| Average (mean) | $49,390 | $23.74 |
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 | $3,631.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,815.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,676.15 |
| Weekly | $838.08 |
| Hourly | $20.95 |
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 Massachusetts
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $42,180 | 500 |
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 Massachusetts
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $39,650 | $19.06 |
| Childcare Worker | $40,900 | $19.66 |
| Recreation Worker | $38,540 | $18.53 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $37,290 | $17.93 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $64,620 | $31.07 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $34,440 | $16.56 |
| Residential Advisor | $48,190 | $23.17 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,470 | $17.06 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $56,990 | $27.40 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $33,940 | $16.32 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $37,840 | $18.19 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $53,740 | $25.84 |
| Skincare Specialist | $47,310 | $22.75 |
| Baggage Porters and Bellhops | $41,040 | $19.73 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts?
The median salary for animal trainers in Massachusetts is $43,580 a year, or $20.95 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,670 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,810 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Massachusetts?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Massachusetts earn at least $82,810 a year. The top 25% earn $57,160 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Massachusetts?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,670 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $33,670 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Massachusetts?
About 510 animal trainers are employed in Massachusetts, not counting the self-employed.