How to Become A Dog Trainer in North Carolina
North Carolina employs approximately 640 dog trainers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $37,680 1. Nationally, dog trainer employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a dog trainer in North Carolina, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Dog Trainer in North Carolina
How do I become a dog trainer in North Carolina? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for dog trainers in North Carolina.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do dog trainers earn in North Carolina? The median annual wage for dog trainers in North Carolina is $37,680 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $24,680 and experienced professionals can earn $84,750 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (North Carolina): $37,680 per year 1
Dog Trainer Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
Animal Trainers Wages by Metro Area in North Carolina
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), animal trainers wages in North Carolina vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary | 160 | $55,560 | $58,310 | $32,030 | $84,750 |
| Asheville | 50 | $36,970 | $44,600 | $26,230 | $82,560 |
| Wilmington | 50 | $37,080 | $40,790 | $23,250 | $45,050 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 40 | $39,560 | $49,970 | $25,870 | $85,610 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | N/A | $35,680 | $45,640 | $22,840 | $85,240 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | N/A | $99,190 | $76,380 | $31,660 | $99,280 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Dog trainers in North Carolina
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest dog trainer employment within North Carolina according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Raleigh-Cary | 160 | $55,560 |
| Asheville | 50 | $36,970 |
| Wilmington | 50 | $37,080 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill | 40 | $39,560 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dog trainers in North Carolina? North Carolina currently employs approximately 640 dog trainers 1. Nationally, dog trainer employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in North Carolina? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Carolina.
How much do dog trainers earn in North Carolina compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dog trainers in North Carolina is $37,680, which is $1,070 below the national median of $38,750 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.