Animal Caretaker salary in Ohio
Animal Caretakers in Ohio earn a median of $30,310 a year ($14.57 an hour), based on BLS data for 9,350 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,450 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $35,360. Ohio ranks 39th of 51 states for animal caretakers pay. There are 1.7 animal caretakers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $34,690, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal caretakers in Ohio
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,130 | $11.60 |
| 25th percentile | $28,490 | $13.70 |
| Median | $30,310 | $14.57 |
| 75th percentile | $36,310 | $17.46 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,450 | $23.78 |
| Average (mean) | $34,690 | $16.68 |
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 | $2,525.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,262.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,165.77 |
| Weekly | $582.88 |
| Hourly | $14.57 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Caretaker salary in cities in Ohio
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | $31,190 | 520 |
| Columbus, OH | $30,920 | 2,100 |
| 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 |
Related jobs in Ohio
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Trainer | $32,700 | $15.72 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $36,260 | $17.43 |
| Recreation Worker | $32,420 | $15.59 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $26,980 | $12.97 |
| Childcare Worker | $29,680 | $14.27 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $36,370 | $17.49 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $46,310 | $22.27 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $28,540 | $13.72 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,590 | $17.11 |
| Residential Advisor | $38,590 | $18.55 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $39,660 | $19.07 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,640 | $17.14 |
| Skincare Specialist | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers | $57,800 | $27.79 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Ohio
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 Ohio?
The median salary for animal caretakers in Ohio is $30,310 a year, or $14.57 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,130 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,450 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal caretakers make in Ohio?
The top 10% of animal caretakers in Ohio earn at least $49,450 a year. The top 25% earn $36,310 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal caretakers in Ohio?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,130 a year, and a quarter of animal caretakers earn $28,490 or less.
How many animal caretakers work in Ohio?
About 9,350 animal caretakers are employed in Ohio, not counting the self-employed.