Animal Trainer salary in Tucson, AZ
Animal Trainers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn a median of $31,410 a year ($15.10 an hour), based on BLS data for this job.
Pay ranges from $30,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $58,480 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 6% lower than the Arizona statewide median of $33,330. The average (mean) salary is $36,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Tucson, AZ
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $30,580 | $14.70 |
| 25th percentile | $30,580 | $14.70 |
| Median | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| 75th percentile | $35,610 | $17.12 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,480 | $28.12 |
| Average (mean) | $36,500 | $17.55 |
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 | $2,617.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,308.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,208.08 |
| Weekly | $604.04 |
| Hourly | $15.10 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Trainer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $33,340 | n/a |
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 |
See Animal Trainer pay in every state or the Arizona statewide figures.
Related jobs in Tucson, AZ
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $36,870 | $17.73 |
| Recreation Worker | $36,050 | $17.33 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,590 | $18.55 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,950 | $22.57 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| Childcare Worker | $32,830 | $15.78 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $30,580 | $14.70 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $30,870 | $14.84 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,150 | $21.71 |
| Gambling Dealer | $54,420 | $26.16 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $44,190 | $21.24 |
| Residential Advisor | $40,770 | $19.60 |
| Skincare Specialist | $51,030 | $24.53 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | $67,130 | $32.28 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Tucson, AZ
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 Tucson, AZ?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Tucson, AZ metro area is $31,410 a year, or $15.10 an hour. Pay ranges from $30,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $58,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Tucson, AZ?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Tucson, AZ metro area earn at least $58,480 a year. The top 25% earn $35,610 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Tucson, AZ?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $30,580 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $30,580 or less.