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

In South Dakota, registered apprenticeships are administered through the South Dakota Department of Labor - Registered 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 South Dakota

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

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), dog trainers in South Dakota earned a median annual wage of approximately $38,120. Employment concentration in South 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 South Dakota?

South 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

South Dakota animal trainers earn a median annual wage of $38,120 ($18.33/hr) according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2025), with about 30 workers employed statewide. The state median is approximately -4.7% below the national median of $39,990 for the same occupation.

Key Takeaways

Median annual pay: $38,120 ($18.33/hr)
25th percentile: $31,080 per year
75th percentile: $42,210 per year
Top 10% earn: more than $44,780 per year
Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $30,530 per year
Workers employed in South Dakota: 30
Versus national median: -4.7% below the U.S. median of $39,990
Job concentration: Location quotient 0.62 - this occupation is less concentrated in South Dakota than the national average

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

South Dakota employs approximately 30 dog trainers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $38,120 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 South Dakota, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.

Quick Answers About Becoming A Dog Trainer in South Dakota

How do I become a dog trainer in South Dakota? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for dog trainers in South 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 South Dakota? The median annual wage for dog trainers in South Dakota is $38,120 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $30,530 and experienced professionals can earn $44,780 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 (South Dakota): $38,120 per year ¹

Dog Trainer Wages by Metro Area in South Dakota

Explore More Trades in South Dakota

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much do dog trainers earn in South Dakota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dog trainers in South Dakota is $38,120, which is $630 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/.