Animal Trainer salary in Tennessee
Animal Trainers in Tennessee earn a median of $35,320 a year ($16.98 an hour), based on BLS data for 310 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,450 for the top 10%. That is 12% lower than the national median of $39,990. Tennessee ranks 34th 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 0.77). The average (mean) salary is $38,750, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,650 | $13.29 |
| 25th percentile | $29,580 | $14.22 |
| Median | $35,320 | $16.98 |
| 75th percentile | $43,300 | $20.82 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,450 | $27.14 |
| Average (mean) | $38,750 | $18.63 |
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 | $2,943.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,471.67 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,358.46 |
| Weekly | $679.23 |
| Hourly | $16.98 |
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 Tennessee
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $36,860 | n/a |
| Knoxville, TN | $30,530 | 70 |
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 Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,660 | $14.26 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $31,310 | $15.05 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $47,380 | $22.78 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $28,690 | $13.79 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,580 | $16.14 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,550 | $14.69 |
| Residential Advisor | $34,700 | $16.68 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $46,510 | $22.36 |
| Tour and Travel Guides | $33,760 | $16.23 |
| Skincare Specialist | $36,590 | $17.59 |
| Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other | $29,890 | $14.37 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,810 | $16.74 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,040 | $21.17 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
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 Tennessee?
The median salary for animal trainers in Tennessee is $35,320 a year, or $16.98 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,650 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Tennessee earn at least $56,450 a year. The top 25% earn $43,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,650 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $29,580 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Tennessee?
About 310 animal trainers are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.