Home > Salary > South Africa > Marine Mammal Trainer
A marine mammal trainer is a professional who works closely with marine mammals, such as dolphins, whales, sea lions, and seals, in various settings like aquariums, zoos, or marine parks. Their primary responsibility is to train these animals to perform specific behaviors and tasks through positive reinforcement techniques. This occupation requires extensive knowledge of marine mammal biology, behavior, and training principles.
Marine mammal trainers are responsible for the overall care and well-being of the animals they work with, including monitoring their health, providing enrichment activities, and assisting with veterinary procedures. They also educate the public about marine mammals and conservation efforts through interactive presentations and demonstrations. Safety protocols and animal welfare are paramount in this profession, as trainers must ensure the well-being of both the animals and the audience during shows and interactions.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,210 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,184 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,838 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,501 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 63 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-02
Estimated Yearly Salary: 6,720 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 560 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 129 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,210 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,184 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
By working as Marine Mammal Trainer a person can save up to 289 USD per month or 3,466 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Marine Mammal Trainer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Marine Mammal Trainer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Marine Mammal Trainer in South Africa is approximately 134,210 ZAR (6,720 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Marine Mammal Trainer do?

Skills: Marine mammal trainer, Animal trainer, Marine park, Animal behavior, Conservation, Positive reinforcement
Job industry: Entertainment
Job industry: Entertainment
How much does Marine Mammal Trainer make?
Salary details
How much does Marine Mammal Trainer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,210 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,184 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 130,060 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 10,838 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,501 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 63 ZAR per hour
Marine Mammal Trainer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 6,720 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 560 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 129 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Marine Mammal Trainer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Marine Mammal Trainer in South Africa earns on average:
1.06 times the average salary (or 106% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Marine Mammal Trainer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Marine Mammal Trainer in South Africa earns on average:
1.06 times the average salary (or 106% of average salary).
Is Marine Mammal Trainer a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Marine Mammal Trainer is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Marine Mammal Trainer?
High salary for Marine Mammal Trainer would be somewhere between 147,631 ZAR and 194,605 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Marine Mammal Trainer in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 134,210 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 11,184 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,581 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 65 ZAR per hour
By working as Marine Mammal Trainer a person can save up to 289 USD per month or 3,466 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Marine Mammal Trainer
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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