How Much Does a Certified Dog Trainer Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Certified Dog Trainer in the United States is $37,290. While Salary.com is seeing that Certified Dog Trainer salary in the US can go up to $41,828 or down to $25,327, but most earn between $31,028 and $39,665. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Related Job Titles to Certified Dog Trainer
Dog Trainer
$31,198
US
Per Year
Master Dog Trainer
$37,599
US
Per Year
Assistant Dog Trainer
$31,573
US
Per Year
Dog Trainer Apprentice
$26,988
US
Per Year
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Similar Job Salaries to Certified Dog Trainer by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Pompano Pet Lodge
Certified Dog Trainer
$63,812/yr
$55,774
$71,849
RANGE: $55,774 - $71,849
Reynolds Dog Resort West Linn
Certified Dog Trainer
$68,471/yr
$60,011
$76,932
RANGE: $60,011 - $76,932
The Dog Stop Argyle
Certified Dog Trainer
$64,688/yr
$56,540
$72,836
RANGE: $56,540 - $72,836
$62,139/yr
$54,312
$69,966
RANGE: $54,312 - $69,966
Off Leash K9 Training
Dog Trainer
$63,797/yr
$57,360
$70,233
RANGE: $57,360 - $70,233
BARK Institute
Dog trainer
$70,276/yr
$61,424
$79,128
RANGE: $61,424 - $79,128
Dog Training Now
Dog Trainer
$52,256/yr
$46,921
$57,592
RANGE: $46,921 - $57,592
$64,170/yr
$57,213
$71,128
RANGE: $57,213 - $71,128
$59,350/yr
$52,915
$65,784
RANGE: $52,915 - $65,784

What Does a Certified Dog Trainer Do?

With the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, you need to complete a minimum of 300 hours of experience training dogs in the last three years as well as pass a 180-question multiple-choice exam.
Updated December 16, 2021
Dog trainers have learned basic learning theory and honed their handling and physical training skills.
Updated December 15, 2021
By the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors (NADOI).
Updated December 15, 2021
This Association is the largest professional group of dog trainers in the world and they offer various seminars, newsletters, courses, and training tips.
Updated December 14, 2021
Hands-on experience is one of the most important factors in getting hired, which is why we include an externship portion in our dog trainer program.
Updated December 12, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Certified Dog Trainer Salaries

What is the average of a Certified Dog Trainer in the United States?

The Certified Dog Trainer salary range is from $31,028 to $39,665, and the average Certified Dog Trainer salary is $37,290/year in the United States. The Certified Dog Trainer's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Certified Dog Trainer salary in the United States?

The Certified Dog Trainer salary in San Jose, CA is $47,033 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Certified Dog Trainer's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Certified Dog Trainer.

What is the growth rate of the Certified Dog Trainer's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Certified Dog Trainer or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Certified Dog Trainer.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Certified Dog Trainer salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$18 Hourly
A Certified Dog Trainer in Janesville, WI reported making $18 per hour
Janesville, WI
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$2,948 Monthly
A Certified Dog Trainer in Pembroke Pines, FL reported making $2,948 per month
Pembroke Pines, FL
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public
$38,293 Yearly
A Certified Dog Trainer in Dothan, AL reported making $38,293 per year
Dothan, AL
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$41,472 Yearly
A Certified Dog Trainer in Surprise, AZ reported making $41,472 per year
Surprise, AZ
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$19 Hourly
A Certified Dog Trainer in Lancaster, PA reported making $19 per hour
Lancaster, PA
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$36,246 Yearly
A Certified Dog Trainer in East Providence, RI reported making $36,246 per year
East Providence, RI
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private