The average salary for dolphin trainers varies from facility to facility. The salaries for entry-level positions can range between $18,000-$20,000. Many trainers have a second source of income to help them stay financially stable. The more experience you have as a trainer, the higher your salary will be. A trainer with 8-12 years of experience can make $25,000-$40,000 a year. Many trainers stay in the profession out of a love for working with dolphins and the opportunity to form long lasting relationships with them.
Trainers also need to give the animals all necessary vitamins and medications during your dolphin daily assessments (DDA). DDAs are done at the beginning of every work day to assess the dolphin’s entire body and their medical needs. You will also need to stimulate the marine mammals physically and mentally through hands-on training sessions. As a trainer, you will need to be enthusiastic and energetic as you work with the dolphins to practice existing and new behaviors with the dolphins. You may observe and study the dolphins if you work in a research facility, or you may display the dolphin’s skills and behaviors to a crowd if you work at an entertainment center, like SeaWorld.
However, there are many pros to being a dolphin trainer, such as the long term relationship you get to build with dolphins and the opportunity to work closely with dolphins on a daily basis. You will also be able to work alongside a team of trainers and support each other as you teach and learn from the dolphins.
A strong background in science and math will help you succeed in your undergraduate degree as you pursue a training career.
Many trainers have undergraduate degrees in biology, marine biology, psychology, or animal behavior/animal science. A four year degree in a life sciences related field will give you a good starting point in terms of the necessary expertise and knowledge to be an effective dolphin trainer. There is a one-year program through the College of Marine Mammal Professions located in Florida that focuses on classroom and hands-on experience in dolphin training. There is also a two year program through Moorpark College in California that focuses on exotic animal training, including dolphin training. Taking an animal training specific program can lead to a higher success of employment. Keep in mind, however, that some facilities, like SeaWorld, prefer to see the perseverance it takes to get a bachelor’s degree. [9] X Research source
Getting first hand experience in a work environment can help you get a better sense of duties and responsibilities required when working with animals. This will give you a chance to determine if you have the patience, persistence, and dependability necessary to be a dolphin trainer. As well, volunteering or interning will also allow you to build relationships and contacts with individuals working in the field. Keep in mind most interns are not allowed to have contact directly with the animals and are often allowed to only observe and assist, but not do any hands on work. If possible, look for volunteer programs that focus specifically on dolphin training, as this will be good practice as you pursue your career goals.
You can complete a basic scuba diver certification program or take additional courses to become a master scuba diver. Most programs are a combination of classroom learning, testing, and applied training with scuba equipment in a pool or an open water location. Some scuba programs also offer training in CPR and first aid, which can come in handy when you work in a marine mammal facility, with other trainers and with the public. Many dolphin training facilities will give you a swim test as part of the hiring process and some facilities will only hire trainers that are SCUBA certified.
Many specialized programs in dolphin training will offer public speaking courses as an option. You can also take a public speaking class at your local college or university to brush up on your skills.
You may want to integrate swimming into your weekly workout routine, in addition to cardio and strength training. This will ensure you are at a constant level of fitness suitable for the role of dolphin trainer.
An association is also a great opportunity for networking and connecting with other trainers and potential employers.
Keep in mind entry-level positions can be competitive, so apply to several open positions at once. Make sure your resume and cover letter showcase your strong skill set, including your education, your volunteer and intern experience, and your strong swimming skills.
Once you have shadowed and done several weeks of training, you will then feed and interact with the dolphin under the supervision of the senior trainers. Over time, you will be taught how to communicate with the dolphins through hand signals. As you become more senior as a dolphin trainer, you can train the dolphins in new behaviors and facilitate public interaction with the dolphins. The speed of your career as a dolphin trainer depends on your past experience, your level of comfort with dolphins, and your level of confidence in your knowledge and skills as a trainer.
