Animal Care Center
Animal Care Center – Hardin, MT
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How much does an Animal Care Trainee make in Montana? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Care Trainee in Montana is $32,324 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:
Animal Care Trainee Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $35,250 | $2,938 | $678 | $17 |
| Average | $32,324 | $2,694 | $622 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,005 | $2,500 | $577 | $14 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level Animal Care Trainee | less than 1 year | $31,540 |
| Early Career Level Animal Care Trainee | 1-2 years | $31,999 |
| Mid-Level Level Animal Care Trainee | 2-4 years | $32,406 |
| Senior-Level Level Animal Care Trainee | 5-8 years | $32,528 |
| Expert Level Animal Care Trainee | over 8 years | $32,609 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Animal Care Trainees. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $42,022 | $20.0 | 30% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $35,557 | $17.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $35,250 | $2,938 | $678 | $17 |
| Average | $32,324 | $2,694 | $622 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,005 | $2,500 | $577 | $14 |
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.
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