Animal Trainer salary in Missouri
Animal Trainers in Missouri earn a median of $34,010 a year ($16.35 an hour), based on BLS data for 250 workers.
Pay ranges from $30,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,580 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $39,990. Missouri ranks 41st of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.09 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.70). The average (mean) salary is $38,910, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Missouri
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,390 | $14.61 |
| 25th percentile | $32,060 | $15.42 |
| Median | $34,010 | $16.35 |
| 75th percentile | $40,110 | $19.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,580 | $25.76 |
| Average (mean) | $38,910 | $18.71 |
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 | $2,834.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,417.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,308.08 |
| Weekly | $654.04 |
| Hourly | $16.35 |
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 Missouri
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $35,950 | 160 |
| 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 Missouri
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $31,230 | $15.02 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,790 | $14.80 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,750 | $14.78 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,450 | $17.52 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $32,350 | $15.55 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $39,100 | $18.80 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $43,720 | $21.02 |
| Skincare Specialist | $45,200 | $21.73 |
| Residential Advisor | $36,510 | $17.55 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,980 | $15.38 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| Gambling Dealer | $28,600 | $13.75 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Missouri
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 Missouri?
The median salary for animal trainers in Missouri is $34,010 a year, or $16.35 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,390 for the lowest-paid 10% to $53,580 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Missouri?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Missouri earn at least $53,580 a year. The top 25% earn $40,110 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Missouri?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,390 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $32,060 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Missouri?
About 250 animal trainers are employed in Missouri, not counting the self-employed.