Animal Trainer Salary in New Jersey (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
New Jersey Median
$46,690
per year
Hourly Rate
$22.45
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+17% vs US median
US median $39,990
State Rank
#6 of 47
480 employed here

How much does an Animal Trainer make in New Jersey?

An Animal Trainer working in New Jersey earns a median salary of $46,690 per year, or about $22.45 per hour. That is 17% above the national median of $39,990 for this occupation.

Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $35,860 while the top 10% make $103,370 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $39,850 and $75,470 a year.

Animal Trainer salary range in New Jersey

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,860$17.24
25th percentile (early career)$39,850$19.16
50th percentile (median)$46,690$22.45
75th percentile (experienced)$75,470$36.28
90th percentile (top earners)$103,370$49.70

How New Jersey compares

New Jersey ranks 6th 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 New Jersey

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 New Jersey pay ($46,690) 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 New Jersey?
The median Animal Trainer salary in New Jersey is $46,690 per year, or about $22.45 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,860 at the entry level to $103,370 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Animal Trainers about 17% more than the national median of $39,990. New Jersey ranks 6th out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Animal Trainers?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $46,690 a year. About 480 Animal Trainers are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), 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.