What are the main factors that influence an Animal Care Trainee's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Animal Care Trainee?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Animal Care Trainee roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

How does experience change An Animal Care Trainee's salary?

An Animal Care Trainee's salary grows with experience: starting around $31,303 for beginners, reaching about $32,162 at mid-level, and approach $32,364 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for an Animal Care Trainee?

Animal Care Trainee salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Animal Care Trainee roles are District of Columbia $37,909, California $37,765, Massachusetts $37,262. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Animal Care Trainee roles make?

Salaries for Animal Care Trainee level roles vary by specialization: Animal Care Coordinator: $51,786; Animal Care Manager: $50,607; Animal Care Specialist: $49,325; Animal Care and Adoptions: $49,211; Animal Care Officer: $42,952.

Animal Care Trainee Salary in South Carolina

How much does an Animal Care Trainee make in South Carolina? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Animal Care Trainee in South Carolina is $32,081 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): $37,629
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $29,779 to $34,985
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $27,683

10% $27,683

50% (Median) $32,081

90% $37,629

Animal Care Trainee Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$34,985	$2,915	$673	$17
Average	$32,081	$2,673	$617	$15
25th Percentile	$29,779	$2,482	$573	$14

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

For HR & Compensation Team

What should I pay?

See how Salary.com helps teams price roles more accurately.

Benchmark Animal Care Trainee with confidence

Get deeper market data to support decisions.

Work Email

Phone No.

Choose a perfect time to talk with a compensation expert.

Book a Demo

Check out Animal Care Trainee Job Openings in South Carolina

ANIMAL CARE SUPERVISOR

County of Greenville - ANIMAL CARE SERVICES – Greenville, SC

Animal Care Technician

Camp Green Dog – Ridgeland, SC

Animal Care Specialist

Alpha Genesis – Yemassee, SC

Animal Care Technician

My Three Dogs HWY 17 – Mount Pleasant, SC

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): $31,303
Early Career (1-2 years): $31,759
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $32,162
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $32,283
Expert (over 8 years): $32,364

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Entry Level Animal Care Trainee	less than 1 year	$31,303
Early Career Level Animal Care Trainee	1-2 years	$31,759
Mid-Level Level Animal Care Trainee	2-4 years	$32,162
Senior-Level Level Animal Care Trainee	5-8 years	$32,283
Expert Level Animal Care Trainee	over 8 years	$32,364

How Do Animal Care Trainee Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:

District of Columbia: $37,909.
California: $37,765.
Massachusetts: $37,262.

District of Columbia $37,909 California $37,765 Massachusetts $37,262 Washington $37,125 New Jersey $37,111 Alaska $37,063 Connecticut $36,590 New York $36,399

Hawaii $35,786 Rhode Island $35,498 Maryland $35,303 Minnesota $35,036 Colorado $34,933 Illinois $34,899 Oregon $34,769 Delaware $34,673

New Hampshire $34,613 Virginia $34,478 Pennsylvania $34,084 Nevada $33,886 North Dakota $33,821 Michigan $33,718 Wisconsin $33,680 Vermont $33,605

Texas $33,396 Maine $33,382 Arizona $33,362 Ohio $33,338 Georgia $33,023 Indiana $32,865 Wyoming $32,835 Utah $32,787

Iowa $32,766 Kansas $32,602 Louisiana $32,554 North Carolina $32,537 Missouri $32,530 Florida $32,396 Montana $32,324 Nebraska $32,256

Kentucky $32,218 South Carolina $32,081 Tennessee $31,996 Idaho $31,961 New Mexico $31,712 Oklahoma $31,657 Alabama $31,455 South Dakota $31,116

Arkansas $30,931 West Virginia $30,832 Mississippi $30,534

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:

Spartanburg: $31,965
Boiling Springs: $31,966
Arcadia: $31,965

Spartanburg, SC $31,965

Boiling Springs, SC $31,966

Arcadia, SC $31,965

Buffalo, SC $31,815

Campobello, SC $31,748

Chesnee, SC $31,878

Clifton, SC $31,961

Clinton, SC $31,457

Converse, SC $31,969

Cowpens, SC $31,923

Cross Anchor, SC $31,743

Cross Hill, SC $31,182

Drayton, SC $31,966

Duncan, SC $31,887

Enoree, SC $31,754

Fairforest, SC $31,965

Fingerville, SC $31,846

Gaffney, SC $32,008

Glendale, SC $31,973

Alcolu, SC $30,291

Ballentine, SC $31,594

Bamberg, SC $30,901

Batesburg, SC $31,301

Bethune, SC $30,979

Bishopville, SC $30,643

Blackstock, SC $31,809

Blair, SC $31,589

Blythewood, SC $31,546

Bowman, SC $30,898

Camden, SC $31,165

Cameron, SC $30,837

Carlisle, SC $31,694

Cassatt, SC $30,965

Cayce, SC $31,622

Chapin, SC $31,483

Chappells, SC $31,063

Cope, SC $30,997

Cordova, SC $31,079

Dalzell, SC $30,561

Davis Station, SC $30,553

Denmark, SC $30,974

Eastover, SC $31,226

Elgin, SC $31,466

Elliott, SC $30,533

Elloree, SC $30,853

Eutawville, SC $31,029

Gable, SC $30,292

Gadsden, SC $31,228

Gaston, SC $31,550

Gilbert, SC $31,443

Great Falls, SC $32,022

Greeleyville, SC $30,636

Heath Springs, SC $31,804

Holly Hill, SC $30,982

Hopkins, SC $31,528

Horatio, SC $30,962

Irmo, SC $31,552

Jenkinsville, SC $31,536

Kershaw, SC $31,227

Lamar, SC $30,666

Leesville, SC $31,386

Lexington, SC $31,580

Liberty Hill, SC $31,585

Little Mountain, SC $31,463

Lugoff, SC $31,322

Lydia, SC $30,702

Lynchburg, SC $30,447

Ehrhardt, SC $30,708

Lodge, SC $30,714

Mc Bee, SC $31,010

Manning, SC $30,451

Mayesville, SC $30,309

Monetta, SC $31,268

Neeses, SC $31,221

Newberry, SC $31,256

New Zion, SC $30,400

North, SC $31,289

Norway, SC $31,047

Olanta, SC $30,597

Orangeburg, SC $30,998

Peak, SC $31,515

Pelion, SC $31,424

Pinewood, SC $30,541

New Ellenton, SC $31,533

Allendale, SC $30,949

Barnwell, SC $31,106

Hilda, SC $31,007

Bath, SC $31,684

Blackville, SC $31,013

Bradley, SC $31,122

Clarks Hill, SC $31,573

Clearwater, SC $31,684

Edgefield, SC $31,427

Elko, SC $31,170

Fairfax, SC $30,847

Gloverville, SC $31,661

Graniteville, SC $31,645

Jackson, SC $31,638

Johnston, SC $31,363

Langley, SC $31,676

Mc Cormick, SC $31,196

Martin, SC $31,009

Modoc, SC $31,456

Montmorenci, SC $31,472

Mount Carmel, SC $30,980

North Augusta, SC $31,684

Beech Island, SC $31,684

Olar, SC $30,880

Parksville, SC $31,400

Plum Branch, SC $31,366

Sycamore, SC $30,869

Trenton, SC $31,515

Troy, SC $31,279

Ulmer, SC $30,863

Vaucluse, SC $31,623

Warrenville, SC $31,655

Williston, SC $31,254

Windsor, SC $31,350

Beaufort, SC $31,393

Ladys Island, SC $31,284

Okatie, SC $31,557

Bluffton, SC $31,692

Brunson, SC $30,758

Coosawhatchie, SC $31,316

Crocketville, SC $30,844

Dale, SC $31,208

Daufuskie Island, SC $31,719

Early Branch, SC $31,031

Estill, SC $31,012

Saint Helena Island, SC $31,348

Furman, SC $31,096

Garnett, SC $31,241

Gifford, SC $30,902

Hampton, SC $30,889

Hilton Head Island, SC $31,573

Hardeeville, SC $31,764

Islandton, SC $30,770

Lobeco, SC $31,228

Luray, SC $30,785

Miley, SC $30,735

Pineland, SC $31,263

Port Royal, SC $31,428

Ridgeland, SC $31,445

Scotia, SC $31,100

Seabrook, SC $31,196

Sheldon, SC $31,349

Tillman, SC $31,412

Varnville, SC $30,962

Yemassee, SC $31,064

Clemson, SC $31,445

Cleveland, SC $31,499

Conestee, SC $31,685

Donalds, SC $31,420

Inman, SC $31,890

Joanna, SC $31,353

Jonesville, SC $31,902

Kinards, SC $31,135

Landrum, SC $31,553

Laurens, SC $31,455

Lockhart, SC $31,911

Lyman, SC $31,784

Mayo, SC $31,916

Moore, SC $31,961

Mountville, SC $31,227

Pacolet, SC $31,921

Pacolet Mills, SC $31,929

Pauline, SC $31,900

Reidville, SC $31,869

Roebuck, SC $31,950

Startex, SC $31,946

Una, SC $31,965

Union, SC $31,786

Waterloo, SC $31,297

Wellford, SC $31,938

White Stone, SC $31,970

Woodruff, SC $31,833

Charleston, SC $32,513

Charleston Afb, SC $32,513

North Charleston, SC $32,513

Hanahan, SC $32,513

Adams Run, SC $32,014

Awendaw, SC $32,223

Bethera, SC $31,875

Bonneau, SC $31,547

Branchville, SC $30,854

Canadys, SC $31,189

Cordesville, SC $32,053

Cottageville, SC $31,791

Cross, SC $31,181

Dorchester, SC $31,474

Edisto Island, SC $31,919

Due West, SC $31,291

Easley, SC $31,638

Fair Play, SC $31,211

Fountain Inn, SC $31,606

Gray Court, SC $31,553

Greenwood, SC $31,188

Greer, SC $31,671

Hodges, SC $31,280

Honea Path, SC $31,485

Iva, SC $31,188

La France, SC $31,473

Liberty, SC $31,554

Long Creek, SC $31,023

Lowndesville, SC $31,199

Marietta, SC $31,552

Mauldin, SC $31,672

Mountain Rest, SC $31,099

Newry, SC $31,390

Ninety Six, SC $31,148

Norris, SC $31,506

Pelzer, SC $31,599

Pendleton, SC $31,489

Pickens, SC $31,522

Seneca, SC $31,383

Piedmont, SC $31,649

Richland, SC $31,289

Salem, SC $31,320

Sandy Springs, SC $31,447

Simpsonville, SC $31,623

Six Mile, SC $31,442

Slater, SC $31,596

Starr, SC $31,325

Sunset, SC $31,417

Tamassee, SC $31,179

Taylors, SC $31,646

Tigerville, SC $31,589

Townville, SC $31,343

Travelers Rest, SC $31,590

Walhalla, SC $31,247

Ware Shoals, SC $31,468

Westminster, SC $31,157

West Union, SC $31,329

Williamston, SC $31,560

Blacksburg, SC $32,303

Bowling Green, SC $32,757

Catawba, SC $32,788

Chester, SC $32,326

Fort Mill, SC $32,773

Chesterfield, SC $31,039

Clover, SC $32,775

Edgemoor, SC $32,779

Fort Lawn, SC $32,483

Hickory Grove, SC $32,087

Jefferson, SC $31,153

Lancaster, SC $32,331

Lando, SC $32,727

Mc Connells, SC $32,620

Mount Croghan, SC $31,197

Pageland, SC $31,745

Richburg, SC $32,459

Rock Hill, SC $32,995

Ruby, SC $31,128

Sharon, SC $32,206

Smyrna, SC $32,249

Van Wyck, SC $32,748

York, SC $32,697

Aiken, SC $31,506

Folly Beach, SC $32,513

Walterboro, SC $31,222

Williams, SC $30,875

Florence, SC $30,794

Andrews, SC $30,851

Aynor, SC $30,766

Bennettsville, SC $30,691

Blenheim, SC $30,729

Cades, SC $30,525

Centenary, SC $30,664

Cheraw, SC $31,015

Clio, SC $30,682

Conway, SC $30,765

Coward, SC $30,730

Darlington, SC $30,787

Dillon, SC $30,686

Effingham, SC $30,779

Fork, SC $30,678

Galivants Ferry, SC $30,760

Green Sea, SC $30,719

Gresham, SC $30,694

Hamer, SC $30,733

Hartsville, SC $30,802

Hemingway, SC $30,739

Johnsonville, SC $30,624

Kingstree, SC $30,762

Lake City, SC $30,597

Lake View, SC $30,736

Lane, SC $30,824

Latta, SC $30,728

Little River, SC $30,930

Little Rock, SC $30,712

Longs, SC $30,839

Loris, SC $30,752

Mc Coll, SC $30,816

Marion, SC $30,705

Myrtle Beach, SC $30,845

Minturn, SC $30,688

Mullins, SC $30,687

Murrells Inlet, SC $30,771

Nesmith, SC $30,724

Nichols, SC $30,710

North Myrtle Beach, SC $30,923

Pamplico, SC $30,699

Patrick, SC $30,997

Pawleys Island, SC $30,719

Rains, SC $30,696

Salters, SC $30,827

Scranton, SC $30,677

Sellers, SC $30,719

Society Hill, SC $30,707

Tatum, SC $30,807

Wallace, SC $30,908

Greenville, SC $31,684

Abbeville, SC $31,166

Anderson, SC $31,464

Belton, SC $31,509

Calhoun Falls, SC $31,046

Central, SC $31,475

Georgetown, SC $30,823

Goose Creek, SC $32,431

Green Pond, SC $31,554

Grover, SC $31,168

Harleyville, SC $31,097

Hollywood, SC $32,177

Huger, SC $32,124

Isle Of Palms, SC $32,507

Jacksonboro, SC $31,770

Jamestown, SC $31,663

Johns Island, SC $32,513

Ladson, SC $32,351

Mc Clellanville, SC $31,687

Moncks Corner, SC $31,892

Mount Pleasant, SC $32,513

Pineville, SC $30,920

Pinopolis, SC $31,533

Ravenel, SC $32,379

Reevesville, SC $30,940

Ridgeville, SC $31,923

Round O, SC $31,659

Ruffin, SC $30,925

Russellville, SC $31,034

Saint George, SC $31,122

Saint Stephen, SC $31,039

Smoaks, SC $30,854

Sullivans Island, SC $32,513

Summerville, SC $32,103

Wadmalaw Island, SC $32,326

Pomaria, SC $31,503

Gramling, SC $31,763

Prosperity, SC $31,403

Rembert, SC $30,827

Ridge Spring, SC $31,338

Ridgeway, SC $31,506

Rion, SC $31,554

Rowesville, SC $30,936

Saint Matthews, SC $31,126

Salley, SC $31,252

Saluda, SC $31,149

Santee, SC $30,973

Sardinia, SC $30,413

Silverstreet, SC $31,100

Springfield, SC $31,171

State Park, SC $31,622

Summerton, SC $30,702

Sumter, SC $30,274

Shaw A F B, SC $30,490

Swansea, SC $31,451

Timmonsville, SC $30,751

Turbeville, SC $30,426

Vance, SC $30,992

Wagener, SC $31,259

Ward, SC $31,266

Wedgefield, SC $30,633

West Columbia, SC $31,622

Westville, SC $31,224

White Rock, SC $31,519

Whitmire, SC $31,276

Winnsboro, SC $31,632

Columbia, SC $31,622

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	$41,706	$20.0	30%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit	$35,289	$17.0	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.

$29,779

Average $32,081/year

$34,985

$2,482

Average $2,673/month

$2,915

$573

Average $617/week

$673

$14

Average $15/hour

$17

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$34,985	$2,915	$673	$17
Average	$32,081	$2,673	$617	$15
25th Percentile	$29,779	$2,482	$573	$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.

The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach | North Myrtle Beach, SC

Animal Care Attendent

The Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach | North Myrtle Beach, SC

Job Description. Job Description. Animal Care Attendant – Humane Society of North Myrtle Beach. Full-time OR Part-time. Do you love animals and want a job ... more

4 Days Ago
Pet Supplies Plus | Summerville, SC

Store Team Member

Pet Supplies Plus | Summerville, SC

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
Valley Cities Behavioral Health Care | SEATTLE, WA

Care Navigator

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

Small Animal Urgent Care Veterinarian

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

Small Animal Veterinarian

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
Griffin Animal Care | GRIFFIN, GA

Small Animal Veterinarian

Griffin Animal Care | GRIFFIN, GA

Griffin Animal Care in Griffin, GA seeks a Veterinarian to provide high-quality medical, surgical, and dental care for dogs and cats in a full-service hosp... more

4 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
Job and employee pricing reports
Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.

Learn about

Salary Search

Salary Calculator Tools

Know Your Worth

Advance at Work

Explore Career Path

Land Your Next Role

Software + AI

Data

Survey Catalogue

Animal Care Trainee Salary in South Carolina

Check out Animal Care Trainee Job Openings in South Carolina

Key Factors That Influence Animal Care Trainee Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Animal Care Trainee Salaries?

How Do Animal Care Trainee Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Animal Care Trainee

Animal Care Trainee Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for an Animal Care Trainee

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

Find Your Next Animal Care Trainee Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Animal Care Trainee Salary in South Carolina

Check out Animal Care Trainee Job Openings in South Carolina

Key Factors That Influence Animal Care Trainee Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Animal Care Trainee Salaries?

How Do Animal Care Trainee Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Animal Care Trainee

Animal Care Trainee Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for an Animal Care Trainee

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

Salaries of jobs related to Animal Care Trainee

Find Your Next Animal Care Trainee Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?