Animal Trainer Salary in Iowa (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$43,020
per year
Hourly Rate
$20.68
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+8% vs US median
US median $39,990
State Rank
#15 of 47
180 employed here

How much does an Animal Trainer make in Iowa?

An Animal Trainer working in Iowa earns a median salary of $43,020 per year, or about $20.68 per hour. That is 8% above the national median of $39,990 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $31,070 while the top 10% make $83,860 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $34,600 and $64,580 a year.

Animal Trainer salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$31,070$14.94
25th percentile (early career)$34,600$16.63
50th percentile (median)$43,020$20.68
75th percentile (experienced)$64,580$31.05
90th percentile (top earners)$83,860$40.32

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 15th 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 Iowa

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 Iowa pay ($43,020) 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 Iowa?
The median Animal Trainer salary in Iowa is $43,020 per year, or about $20.68 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $31,070 at the entry level to $83,860 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Animal Trainers about 8% more than the national median of $39,990. Iowa ranks 15th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Animal Trainers?
Yes on pay — Iowa pays above the national median for this occupation, at $43,020 a year. About 180 Animal Trainers are employed in Iowa. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Animal Trainer salary report

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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.