Animal Trainer Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Animal Trainers in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$44,290
per year
Hourly Rate
$21.29
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+11% vs US median
US median $39,990
State Rank
#13 of 47
330 employed here

How much does an Animal Trainer make in Colorado?

Animal Trainers in Colorado take home a median of $44,290 annually — roughly $21.29 an hour — which runs 11% above the national median of $39,990.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $36,420 while the top 10% make $67,330 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,530 and $46,760 a year.

Animal Trainer salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$36,420$17.51
25th percentile (early career)$39,530$19.00
50th percentile (median)$44,290$21.29
75th percentile (experienced)$46,760$22.48
90th percentile (top earners)$67,330$32.37

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 13th out of 47 states and territories for Animal Trainer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Virginia$62,960
2Alabama$55,700
3Oregon$55,520
4California$49,060
5New York$48,790

Working as an Animal Trainer in Colorado

Nationally, about 19,000 people work as Animal Trainers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Colorado pay ($44,290) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does an Animal Trainer make in Colorado?
The median Animal Trainer salary in Colorado is $44,290 per year, or about $21.29 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $36,420 at the entry level to $67,330 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Animal Trainers about 11% more than the national median of $39,990. Colorado ranks 13th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Animal Trainers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $44,290 a year. About 330 Animal Trainers are employed in Colorado. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Trainer salary report

Related salaries

Skincare Specialist

$45,330
median pay · 73,000 employed

Motion Picture Projectionist

$38,270
median pay · 1,000 employed

Gambling Dealer

$34,320
median pay · 84,000 employed

Residential Advisor

$42,240
median pay · 85,000 employed

Shampooer

$32,600
median pay · 8,000 employed

Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers

$55,010
median pay · 25,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.