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Horse trainer salary
Average horse trainer salary
$16.32
Average Horse Trainer Salary
The average salary for a horse trainer in the United States is $33,943 per year, which equates to approximately $16 per hour. However, this figure can vary significantly depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting Salary
Experience level plays a crucial role in determining salary. Entry-level trainers may earn less, while those with several years of experience or specialized training can command higher salaries. Additionally, geographic location impacts earnings; trainers in states with a higher cost of living or those working in high-demand areas often see better compensation.
Salary by State
Some of the highest-paying states for horse trainers include California, Texas, and Florida, where opportunities in equestrian centers and racing tracks abound. Trainers in these regions can expect salaries above the national average.
Job Opportunities
As the equine industry grows, job opportunities for horse trainers are plentiful. From training competitive show horses to working in therapeutic settings, the field offers diverse career paths. Explore available positions and find the right fit for your skills and interests.
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Where can a Horse Trainer earn more?
Horse trainer salary estimates from across the web
Average horse trainer salary by state
The highest-paying states for horse trainers are New York, North Dakota, and Alaska. The lowest average horse trainer salary states are Arkansas, Tennessee, and Idaho.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for horse trainers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kentucky | $34,625 | $16.65 |
| 2 | Mississippi | $30,936 | $14.87 |
| 3 | North Dakota | $40,067 | $19.26 |
| 4 | Missouri | $31,721 | $15.25 |
| 5 | New York | $45,197 | $21.73 |
| 6 | Illinois | $30,408 | $14.62 |
| 7 | Iowa | $29,740 | $14.30 |
| 8 | Alaska | $39,075 | $18.79 |
| 9 | Ohio | $29,399 | $14.13 |
| 10 | Nebraska | $32,984 | $15.86 |
| 11 | Utah | $30,562 | $14.69 |
| 12 | Pennsylvania | $29,465 | $14.17 |
| 13 | Florida | $31,241 | $15.02 |
| 14 | West Virginia | $29,740 | $14.30 |
| 15 | Oregon | $33,352 | $16.03 |
| 16 | California | $33,227 | $15.97 |
| 17 | Wisconsin | $29,569 | $14.22 |
| 18 | Rhode Island | $28,549 | $13.73 |
| 19 | Michigan | $29,160 | $14.02 |
| 20 | Indiana | $27,003 | $12.98 |
| 21 | Connecticut | $27,923 | $13.42 |
| 22 | Hawaii | $30,913 | $14.86 |
| 23 | Minnesota | $29,858 | $14.35 |
| 24 | New Jersey | $28,604 | $13.75 |
| 25 | Kansas | $26,422 | $12.70 |
| 26 | South Dakota | $29,620 | $14.24 |
| 27 | Delaware | $27,052 | $13.01 |
| 28 | Maine | $30,009 | $14.43 |
| 29 | Louisiana | $25,494 | $12.26 |
| 30 | Arizona | $26,353 | $12.67 |
| 31 | Arkansas | $23,947 | $11.51 |
| 32 | Montana | $27,520 | $13.23 |
| 33 | Virginia | $26,806 | $12.89 |
| 34 | New Hampshire | $27,248 | $13.10 |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $27,591 | $13.26 |
| 36 | Tennessee | $23,936 | $11.51 |
| 37 | Vermont | $27,190 | $13.07 |
| 38 | Colorado | $26,612 | $12.79 |
| 39 | Maryland | $25,706 | $12.36 |
| 40 | South Carolina | $25,164 | $12.10 |
| 41 | Wyoming | $24,083 | $11.58 |
| 42 | Texas | $24,430 | $11.75 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $24,018 | $11.55 |
| 44 | Alabama | $23,586 | $11.34 |
| 45 | Georgia | $23,643 | $11.37 |
| 46 | New Mexico | $24,679 | $11.86 |
| 47 | Washington | $24,144 | $11.61 |
| 48 | District of Columbia | $26,002 | $12.50 |
| 49 | North Carolina | $24,065 | $11.57 |
| 50 | Idaho | $23,827 | $11.46 |
| 51 | Nevada | $23,482 | $11.29 |
Highest paying cities for horse trainers
The highest-paying cities for horse trainers are Elmont, NY, Nicholasville, KY, and Los Angeles, CA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elmont, NY | $45,356 | $21.81 |
| 2 | Nicholasville, KY | $34,634 | $16.65 |
| 3 | Los Angeles, CA | $33,555 | $16.13 |
| 4 | Miami, FL | $31,291 | $15.04 |
| 5 | Battle Creek, MI | $28,721 | $13.81 |
| 6 | Greenwich, CT | $27,922 | $13.42 |
| 7 | Silver Spring, MD | $25,429 | $12.23 |
| 8 | Aiken, SC | $25,190 | $12.11 |
| 9 | Sammamish, WA | $24,174 | $11.62 |
| 10 | Cabot, AR | $23,930 | $11.50 |
Horse trainer salary details
A horse trainer's salary ranges from $20,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $57,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a horse trainer's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $27 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,000 | $3,667 | $21 |
| Average | $33,943 | $2,829 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $20,000 | $1,667 | $10 |
Highest paying horse trainer jobs
The highest paying types of horse trainers are guide dog instructor, dog obedience instructor, and equestrian trainer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guide Dog Instructor | $49,458 | $4,121 | $23.78 | 30,691 |
| Service Dog Trainer | $34,195 | $2,850 | $16.44 | 24,864 |
| Dog Trainer | $32,811 | $2,734 | $15.77 | 76,324 |
Top companies hiring horse trainers now:
Which companies pay horse trainers the most?
Horse trainer salaries at HP and Mt. San Antonio College are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average horse trainer salary at companies like Quarter Moon Productions and Research Electro-Optics are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP | $76,300 | $36.68 |
| 2 | Mt. San Antonio College | $63,173 | $30.37 |
| 3 | Quarter Moon Productions | $34,220 | $16.45 |
| 4 | Research Electro-Optics | $32,364 | $15.56 |
| 5 | Avalon Hotel & Conference Center | $25,794 | $12.40 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Horse trainer salary trends
The average horse trainer salary has risen by $5,966 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average horse trainer earned $27,977 annually, but today, they earn $33,943 a year. That works out to a 14% change in pay for horse trainers over the last decade.
Compare horse trainer salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average horse trainer salary over time
Compare horse trainer salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Horse trainer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $33,900 | $16.32 | +3.5% |
| 2024 | $32,800 | $15.75 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | $31,500 | $15.16 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $31,100 | $14.95 | +4.1% |
| 2021 | $29,800 | $14.34 | +3.9% |
Recently added horse trainer salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ampersandpeople | Head Horse Trainer and Instructor | Jacksonville, FL | 11/26/2024 | $52,000 |
| Pomponio Ranch | Young Horse Assistant Trainer/Groom | Ione, CA | 10/23/2024 | $50,088 |
| Meralex Farm Inc. | Horse Farm Trainer/Handler | Brandon, FL | 08/29/2024 | $43,138 |
| Meralex Farm Inc. | Horse Farm Trainer/Handler | Brandon, FL | 09/05/2023 | $37,378 |
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