How to Become A Dog Trainer in Texas
Texas employs approximately 1,080 dog trainers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $36,370 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 Texas, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Dog Trainer in Texas
How do I become a dog trainer in Texas? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for dog trainers in Texas.
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 Texas? The median annual wage for dog trainers in Texas is $36,370 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $25,970 and experienced professionals can earn $57,490 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 (Texas): $36,370 per year 1
Dog Trainer Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Animal Trainers Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), animal trainers wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 340 | $35,990 | $40,300 | $28,400 | $56,670 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 240 | $36,390 | $39,890 | $24,540 | $57,780 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 140 | $38,420 | $44,530 | $28,810 | $60,650 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 90 | $35,740 | $37,150 | $29,120 | $47,730 |
| El Paso | 40 | $32,590 | $33,470 | $19,170 | $44,070 |
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 Texas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest dog trainer employment within Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 340 | $35,990 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 240 | $36,390 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 140 | $38,420 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 90 | $35,740 |
| El Paso | 40 | $32,590 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for dog trainers in Texas? Texas currently employs approximately 1,080 dog trainers 1. Nationally, dog trainer employment is projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Texas.
How much do dog trainers earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for dog trainers in Texas is $36,370, which is $2,380 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/.