How much does an Animal Care Trainee make in Arkansas? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Care Trainee in Arkansas is $30,931 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.

However, an Animal Care Trainee's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $36,280
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $28,711 to $33,731
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $26,691

Key Factors That Influence Animal Care Trainee Salaries

An Animal Care Trainee's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Animal Care Trainee Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Animal Care Trainee's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $30,181
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $30,620
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $31,009
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $31,125
  • Expert (over 8 years): $31,203
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Animal Care Trainee less than 1 year $30,181
Early Career Level Animal Care Trainee 1-2 years $30,620
Mid-Level Level Animal Care Trainee 2-4 years $31,009
Senior-Level Level Animal Care Trainee 5-8 years $31,125
Expert Level Animal Care Trainee over 8 years $31,203

Top Paying Cities for Animal Care Trainee

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Star City: $30,424
  • Wesley: $30,898
  • West Fork: $31,094

Animal Care Trainee Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Animal Care Trainee roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Animal Care Trainee positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Animal Care Trainee as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Animal Care Trainee

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $40,210 $19.0 30%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $34,024 $16.0 10%

Animal Care Trainee Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Animal Care Trainee's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$28,711
Average $30,931/year
$33,731
$2,393
Average $2,578/month
$2,811
$552
Average $595/week
$649
$14
Average $15/hour
$16
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $33,731 $2,811 $649 $16
Average $30,931 $2,578 $595 $15
25th Percentile $28,711 $2,393 $552 $14

Find Your Next Animal Care Trainee Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Animal Care Trainee job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Pet Supplies Plus | Searcy, AR

    Pet Supplies Plus | Searcy, AR

    Store Team Member. Did you know bearded dragons grow up to 2 feet long. Or that the average life span for an umbrella cockatoo is 50 years. Our team member... more

    2 Days Ago

  • St. Bernards Healthcare | Jonesboro, AR

    STB

    St. Bernards Healthcare | Jonesboro, AR

    St. Bernards Healthcare - - Responsibilities: Perform patient care activities under supervision. Assist licensed nursing personnel. Work across varied shif... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Pet Supplies Plus | El Dorado, AR

    Pet Supplies Plus | El Dorado, AR

    Pet Supplies Plus - - Responsibilities: Provide neighborly customer service. Stock shelves and operate cash register. Care for store pets and habitats. Ans... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care | SEATTLE, WA

    Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care | SEATTLE, WA

    Care Navigator - Substance Use Disorder Professional/Trainee - MATCH. SIGNING BONUS $1500/$3000/$5000 - MATCH PROGRAM. SUDPT: $23.17 - $29.92. SUDP: Master... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Livewell Animal Hospital | PLEASANT GROVE, UT

    Livewell Animal Hospital | PLEASANT GROVE, UT

    Livewell Animal Hospital is seeking a compassionate Veterinarian to join our Livewell Urgent Care team. In this role, you will provide high-quality urgent ... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Millbrook Animal Care Clinic | GENEVA, IL

    Millbrook Animal Care Clinic | GENEVA, IL

    Millbrook Animal Care Clinic in Millbrook, AL seeks a Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical, surgical, and preventive care for dogs and cats. Respon... more

    3 Days Ago

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