Animal Caretaker salary in Columbus, OH
Animal Caretakers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $30,920 a year ($14.86 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,100 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,840 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $35,360. Pay here is 2% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $30,310. There are 1.9 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $36,190, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,860 | $13.40 |
| 25th percentile | $29,220 | $14.05 |
| Median | $30,920 | $14.86 |
| 75th percentile | $36,300 | $17.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $56,840 | $27.33 |
| Average (mean) | $36,190 | $17.40 |
Half of animal caretakers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,576.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,288.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,189.23 |
| Weekly | $594.62 |
| Hourly | $14.86 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Caretaker salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | $31,190 | 520 |
| Toledo, OH | $30,870 | 590 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $30,540 | 2,320 |
| Cleveland, OH | $30,220 | 1,690 |
| Springfield, OH | $29,890 | 110 |
| Youngstown-Warren, OH | $29,490 | 260 |
| Mansfield, OH | $29,450 | 50 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $29,400 | 530 |
| Sandusky, OH | $28,970 | 70 |
| Wheeling, WV-OH | $28,910 | 130 |
| Lima, OH | $28,630 | 70 |
| Canton-Massillon, OH | $28,580 | 300 |
| Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH | $28,110 | 60 |
| Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH | $28,060 | 180 |
Highest-paying states for animal caretakers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $44,210 |
| Washington | $40,570 |
| Hawaii | $40,130 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 |
| California | $38,700 |
| Arizona | $38,180 |
| New York | $37,840 |
| Colorado | $37,430 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 |
| Maine | $37,230 |
See Animal Caretaker pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $34,290 | $16.48 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,280 | $14.56 |
| Recreation Worker | $33,690 | $16.20 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,540 | $13.24 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $37,410 | $17.99 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $50,040 | $24.06 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,350 | $13.63 |
| Residential Advisor | $41,930 | $20.16 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $37,670 | $18.11 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $42,050 | $20.22 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $29,240 | $14.06 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,530 | $17.08 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Columbus, OH
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 39-2021. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a animal caretaker make in Columbus, OH?
The median salary for animal caretakers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $30,920 a year, or $14.86 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,860 for the lowest-paid 10% to $56,840 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $56,840 a year. The top 25% earn $36,300 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,860 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $29,220 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Columbus, OH?
About 2,100 animal caretakers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.