How much does an Animal Care Trainee make in Michigan? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Care Trainee in Michigan is $33,718 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $39,549
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $31,298 to $36,770
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,096

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): $32,900
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $33,379
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $33,803
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $33,930
  • Expert (over 8 years): $34,015
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Animal Care Trainee less than 1 year $32,900
Early Career Level Animal Care Trainee 1-2 years $33,379
Mid-Level Level Animal Care Trainee 2-4 years $33,803
Senior-Level Level Animal Care Trainee 5-8 years $33,930
Expert Level Animal Care Trainee over 8 years $34,015

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:

  • Davison: $32,505
  • Decker: $32,116
  • Deckerville: $31,998

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 $43,833 $21.0 30%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit $37,090 $18.0 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
$31,298
Average $33,718/year
$36,770
$2,608
Average $2,810/month
$3,064
$602
Average $648/week
$707
$15
Average $16/hour
$18
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $36,770 $3,064 $707 $18
Average $33,718 $2,810 $648 $16
25th Percentile $31,298 $2,608 $602 $15

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.

  • Desort | Lansing, MI

    Desort | Lansing, MI

    Veterinarian Small Animal Urgent Care Canton, Michigan. An established small animal practice is seeking a dedicated Urgent Care Veterinarian to join their ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • University of Michigan Health | Midland, MI

    University of Michigan Health | Midland, MI

    University of Michigan Health - - Responsibilities: Satisfactorily complete the Patient Care Technician training program. Attend class every day for the en... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Loving Care Animal Clinic LLC | Fremont, MI

    Loving Care Animal Clinic LLC | Fremont, MI

    Job Description. Job Description. Loving Care Animal Clinic — Fremont, MI | Full-Time, In-Person | $17–$19/hour (potentially more, based on well-qualified ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Loving Care Animal Clinic LLC | Fremont, MI

    Loving Care Animal Clinic LLC | Fremont, MI

    Job Description. Job Description. Offering Position.  Full Time Veterinary Assistant. About Us. We’re a family‑owned, small‑animal general‑practice clinic ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Loving Care Animal Clinic LLC | Fremont, MI

    Loving Care Animal Clinic LLC | Fremont, MI

    Job Description. Job Description. Loving Care Animal Clinic. Where Your Skills Matter. Licensed  Veterinary Technician. Reports to. Practice Manager and Do... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Pet Supplies Plus | Sterling Heights, MI

    Pet Supplies Plus | Sterling Heights, MI

    Pet Supplies Plus - 2297 18 Mile Road - Responsibilities: Process transactions accurately. Stock shelves and unload deliveries. Care for pets in-store and ... more

    7 Days Ago

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