📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Animal Trainer Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$34,262
per year
Median
$30,942
per year
Hourly
$16.47
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$21,895
25th Percentile — Junior$28,867
50th Percentile — Median$30,942
75th Percentile — Senior$44,554
90th Percentile — Top Earners$50,611
💡 Top-earning Animal Trainers in Kentucky make up to $50,611 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$28.8k
2021
$29.9k
2022
$30.9k
2023
$32.0k
2024
$33.1k
2025
$34.3k
2026
📈 Animal Trainer salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong presence in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Animal Trainer Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $28,780 -16.0% Medium
Lexington $28,780 -16.0% Medium
🔍
Animal Trainer Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Animal Trainers. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $34,262 per year, Kentucky's Animal Trainer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $21,895–$28,867, while experienced Animal Trainers can command $44,554–$50,611.

Looking ahead, the Animal Trainer profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Animal Trainer salary in Kentucky is $34,262 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $41,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Animal Trainers the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Animal Trainer employment.
  • At $34,262/year, Kentucky Animal Trainer salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $41,280/year.