Animal Trainer: Career Information

Job Description of Animal Trainers: Animal trainers use various techniques to train animals for riding, security, performance, obedience, or assisting people with disabilities.

Employment Facts for Animal Trainers: 10,020 people worked as animal trainers in 2006, the most recent year for which this information is available.

Educational Requirements for Animal Trainers: Although in most cases animal trainers need to have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) equivalent, some animal trainers must have a bachelor’s degree and additional skills.

Other Requirements for Animal Trainers: Animal trainers must be patient and sensitive. They should have experience with problem-solving and animal obedience. While animal trainers aren't required to have certification, several organizations offer training programs and certification for those who want to enter this field.

Job Outlook for Animal Trainers: Demand for animal trainers will grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014 as pet owners utilize their services.

Earnings of Animal Trainers: Median hourly earnings of animal trainers were $12.65 in 2006.

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A Day in an Animal Trainer's Life: On a typical day an animal trainer will:

• Get animals accustomed to human voice and contact;
• Condition animals to respond to commands;
• Give positive reinforcement to animals;
• Provide animals mental stimulation, physical exercise, and hands-on care;
• Oversee diet preparation;

Animal trainers often work in competitions and shows. Those who do often conduct educational programs for visitors and guests.

*This is the most recent year for which this information is available.

Information courtesy of Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Animal Care and Service Workers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos168.htm (visited on August 1, 2006) and National Employment and Wage Data From The Occupational Employment Statistics Survey By Occupation, May 2004 on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oes/2004/may/table1.pdf (visited on August 1, 2006).