Salary for really top top top H/J trainer in U.S.?

What would one expect to pay as a SALARY (not a share of fees situation) for a top of the line winning big A shows h/j trainer? I know most of this type trainer have their own places but I do have a client interested in trying to hire a really top trainer for her new place.

I worked in a private family situation as Head Trainer going to WEF, GLEF, Indoors etc (and getting champion/top ribbons at those venues) and was getting paid $115k a year. Commissions were on top of that. No tipping, small gift for Christmas. No health insurance, but could take time off as needed when we weren’t showing. I was given a stall, free shipping, and they always paid for my housing. PM if you would like to know more on how it was set up contract wise.

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Depends on who you want. You have to pay them more than they are currently making from their own business.

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Curious - what part of the country? East/West coast, Midwest? Just trying to adjust for cost of living. Housing is a huge benefit (if it’s decent) but no health insurance is a huge drawback. I honestly would have thought more than $115k, but I am in the DC metro area, where everything is expensive (though not as expensive as NYC or SF).

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Based in Wellington in winter and Lexington in summer months. I only paid for my personal food (had tab at shows), my horse’s vet/farrier and show bills, and my own clothes. With commissions it usually ended up being about $150k.

This job also came with being on the clock 24/7 and a lot of other drawbacks, which is why I left to go out on my own, being on the clock 24/7 for yourself is much better.

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Thanks for this! Those are pretty good fringe benefits, but I can definitely understand the different stressor of being on call to one person/family. Kind of the equivalent of all the eggs in one basket.