Animal Trainer Careers Information
Animal trainers train animals for a variety of purposes. Some animals are trained to act as guide dogs and to assist people with disabilities. Dogs are trained for racing or security, and horses are broken for riding. Some trainers even work with marine animals, especially dolphins. Many animal trainers work with dogs at kennels and pounds, but other workplaces include zoos, circuses, theme parks, and farms, especially horse farms. This line of work can be physically demanding, and requires comfort in a variety of workplace settings, both indoors and outdoors.
Animal Trainer Careers Path
In general, animal trainers do not need college degrees or classroom education. Instead, the complicated techniques and diverse skills needed to train particular kinds of animals are acquired on the job or through apprenticeships. In the animal care industry though, there are exceptions: marine trainers and zoo trainers typically hold Bachelor’s degrees in biology or another related science, and animal technician degrees are appearing at community colleges and universities around the country, usually at the Diploma, Certificate, or Associate’s level.
Animal Trainer Careers Compatible Personality Traits
Kind, caring, dependable, consistent, understanding, observant, empathetic, confident, patient, thorough
Animal Trainer Careers Salary Expectations
According to the Department of Labor, the median annual salary for animal trainers is $27,270. This is not a career field known for an especially lucrative rate of pay, although possibilities for advancement might make some salaries more competitive over a long career. Horse trainers, in particular, can achieve excellent compensation at the high levels of their profession.
Animal Trainer Careers Job Outlook
Because of the unique nature of animal training work, jobs should be available to those committed enough to find openings. Animal care as an industry should enjoy good growth over the next decade, and some of this growth will likely spill over into animal training in particular. The Department of Labor estimates 19% job growth for animal care and service works.
Slightly Off the Footpath
Source: bls.gov/oes/current/oes392011.htm
