Animal Trainer salary in Nebraska
Animal Trainers in Nebraska earn a median of $34,900 a year ($16.78 an hour), based on BLS data for 60 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,070 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $39,990. Nebraska ranks 37th of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.06 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.52). The average (mean) salary is $37,660, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Nebraska
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,220 | $15.97 |
| 25th percentile | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| Median | $34,900 | $16.78 |
| 75th percentile | $38,490 | $18.51 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,070 | $23.59 |
| Average (mean) | $37,660 | $18.11 |
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 | $2,908.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,454.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,342.31 |
| Weekly | $671.15 |
| Hourly | $16.78 |
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 Nebraska
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Nebraska
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $31,680 | $15.23 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,740 | $14.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $30,110 | $14.48 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $31,440 | $15.11 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| Recreation Worker | $34,590 | $16.63 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,010 | $22.12 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,910 | $21.59 |
| Skincare Specialist | $58,420 | $28.09 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,260 | $13.59 |
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | $29,670 | $14.27 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $31,580 | $15.18 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $56,940 | $27.37 |
| Funeral Attendant | $30,170 | $14.51 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Nebraska
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 Nebraska?
The median salary for animal trainers in Nebraska is $34,900 a year, or $16.78 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,220 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,070 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Nebraska?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Nebraska earn at least $49,070 a year. The top 25% earn $38,490 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Nebraska?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,220 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $34,900 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Nebraska?
About 60 animal trainers are employed in Nebraska, not counting the self-employed.