How long does it take to become a dog trainer in North Dakota?

Most paths into the dog trainer field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.

What apprenticeships are available for dog trainers in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, registered apprenticeships are administered through the North Dakota Workforce Development - Apprenticeship, which works with employers and trade union locals to register programs. See the apprenticeship section above for office contact details.

How to Become A Dog Trainer in North Dakota

Q: How much do dog trainers earn in North Dakota?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), dog trainers in North Dakota earned a median annual wage of approximately $38,970. Employment concentration in North Dakota is roughly 0.62 of the national average, meaning fewer workers per capita than the U.S. as a whole.

Q: What is the job outlook for dog trainers in North Dakota?

North Dakota currently employs approximately 30 workers, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5.1% national employment change for this occupation from 2024 to 2034.

Updated May 26, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

North Dakota animal trainers earn a median annual wage of $38,970 ($18.73/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 30 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately -2.6% below the national median of $39,990 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $38,970 ($18.73/hr)
25th percentile: $35,180 per year
75th percentile: $39,430 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $42,040 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $30,060 per year
Workers employed in North Dakota: 30
Versus national median: -2.6% below the U.S. median of $39,990
Job concentration: Location quotient 0.62 - this occupation is less concentrated in North Dakota than the national average

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Last reviewed May 26, 2026.

North Dakota employs approximately 30 dog trainers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $38,970 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 Dakota, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

Quick Answers About Becoming A Dog Trainer in North Dakota

How do I become a dog trainer in North Dakota? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for dog trainers in North Dakota.

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 Dakota? The median annual wage for dog trainers in North Dakota is $38,970 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $30,060 and experienced professionals can earn $42,040 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 Dakota): $38,970 per year ¹

Dog Trainer Wages by Metro Area in North Dakota

Explore More Trades in North Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job outlook for dog trainers in North Dakota? North Dakota currently employs approximately 30 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 Dakota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in North Dakota.

How much do dog trainers earn in North Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dog trainers in North Dakota is $38,970, which is $220 above 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/.