Animal Trainer Salary in North Dakota (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Dakota Median
$38,970
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.74
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-3% vs US median
US median $39,990
State Rank
#21 of 47
30 employed here

How much does an Animal Trainer make in North Dakota?

An Animal Trainer working in North Dakota earns a median salary of $38,970 per year, or about $18.74 per hour. That is 3% below the national median of $39,990 for this occupation.

Within North Dakota, entry-level pay starts around $30,060 while the top 10% make $42,040 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $35,180 and $39,430 a year.

Animal Trainer salary range in North Dakota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$30,060$14.45
25th percentile (early career)$35,180$16.91
50th percentile (median)$38,970$18.74
75th percentile (experienced)$39,430$18.96
90th percentile (top earners)$42,040$20.21

How North Dakota compares

North Dakota ranks 21st 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 North Dakota

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 North Dakota pay ($38,970) 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 North Dakota?
The median Animal Trainer salary in North Dakota is $38,970 per year, or about $18.74 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $30,060 at the entry level to $42,040 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Dakota pay compare to the national average?
North Dakota pays Animal Trainers about 3% less than the national median of $39,990. North Dakota ranks 21st out of 47 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Dakota a good state for Animal Trainers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $38,970 a year. About 30 Animal Trainers are employed in North Dakota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Dakota?
The highest-paying occupations in North Dakota include Surgeon, All Other ($604,890), Radiologist ($553,140), Physician, All Other ($454,550), 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.