Animal Trainer salary in Texas
Animal Trainers in Texas earn a median of $36,370 a year ($17.49 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,080 workers.
Pay ranges from $25,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,490 for the top 10%. That is 9% lower than the national median of $39,990. Texas ranks 33rd of 47 states for animal trainers pay. There are 0.08 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.64). The average (mean) salary is $39,700, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Texas
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $25,970 | $12.49 |
| 25th percentile | $30,920 | $14.87 |
| Median | $36,370 | $17.49 |
| 75th percentile | $44,770 | $21.53 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $57,490 | $27.64 |
| Average (mean) | $39,700 | $19.09 |
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 | $3,030.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,515.42 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,398.85 |
| Weekly | $699.42 |
| Hourly | $17.49 |
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 Texas
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $38,420 | 140 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $36,390 | 240 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $35,990 | 340 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | $35,740 | 90 |
| El Paso, TX | $32,590 | 40 |
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 Texas
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $32,730 | $15.74 |
| Childcare Worker | $28,570 | $13.73 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,570 | $12.78 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $30,680 | $14.75 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $40,880 | $19.65 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,720 | $15.73 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $26,610 | $12.79 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $45,560 | $21.91 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $44,690 | $21.49 |
| Skincare Specialist | $49,250 | $23.68 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $34,040 | $16.37 |
| Residential Advisor | $37,630 | $18.09 |
| Concierge | $36,070 | $17.34 |
| Barber | $30,760 | $14.79 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Texas
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 Texas?
The median salary for animal trainers in Texas is $36,370 a year, or $17.49 an hour. Pay ranges from $25,970 for the lowest-paid 10% to $57,490 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Texas?
The top 10% of animal trainers in Texas earn at least $57,490 a year. The top 25% earn $44,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Texas?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $25,970 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $30,920 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Texas?
About 1,080 animal trainers are employed in Texas, not counting the self-employed.