Animal Trainer salary in Michigan
Animal Trainers in Michigan earn a median of $30,820 a year ($14.82 an hour), based on BLS data for 800 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,360 for the top 10%. That is 23% lower than the national median of $39,990. Michigan ranks 46th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.18 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $33,640, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Michigan
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,370 | $13.16 |
| 25th percentile | $28,970 | $13.93 |
| Median | $30,820 | $14.82 |
| 75th percentile | $35,210 | $16.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $43,360 | $20.85 |
| Average (mean) | $33,640 | $16.17 |
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 | $2,568.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,284.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,185.38 |
| Weekly | $592.69 |
| Hourly | $14.82 |
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 Michigan
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI | $30,940 | 120 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | $30,920 | 450 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $28,970 | 80 |
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 Michigan
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,970 | $14.89 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,580 | $13.74 |
| Recreation Worker | $35,090 | $16.87 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,820 | $16.74 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $45,520 | $21.88 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,530 | $14.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $43,540 | $20.94 |
| Gambling Dealer | $29,120 | $14.00 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,740 | $20.55 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,730 | $19.10 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,240 | $21.75 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,380 | $17.01 |
| Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants | $29,640 | $14.25 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Michigan
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 Michigan?
The median salary for animal trainers in Michigan is $30,820 a year, or $14.82 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,370 for the lowest-paid 10% to $43,360 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Michigan?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Michigan earn at least $43,360 a year. The top 25% earn $35,210 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Michigan?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,370 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $28,970 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Michigan?
About 800 animal trainers are employed in Michigan, not counting the self-employed.