Animal Trainers pay in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the median pay for animal trainers is $18.11 an hour ($37,680 a year). About 640 people work in this job there.
That is 6% lower than the U.S. median ($39,990). North Carolina ranks 27th of 47 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for animal trainers in North Carolina
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $11.87 | $24,680 |
| 25% of workers | $16.20 | $33,700 |
| Half of workers (median) | $18.11 | $37,680 |
| 75% of workers | $27.82 | $57,860 |
| 90% of workers | $40.75 | $84,750 |
Animal Trainers pay in North Carolina metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary | $55,560 | 160 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | $39,560 | 40 |
| Wilmington | $37,080 | 50 |
| Asheville | $36,970 | 50 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $35,680 | 0 |
North Carolina unemployment rate: 3.5% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for animal trainers
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +4.2% over ten years, about as fast as average · about 6,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in North Carolina
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $46,450 |
| Animal Caretakers | $30,870 |
| Self-Enrichment Teachers | $41,710 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $37,070 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $47,620 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | $38,750 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.