Animal Trainer salary in Columbus, OH
Animal Trainers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn a median of $34,290 a year ($16.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $28,230 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,120 for the top 10%. That is 14% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 5% higher than the Ohio statewide median of $32,700. There are 0.15 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.3× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $41,760, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Columbus, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $28,230 | $13.57 |
| 25th percentile | $28,280 | $13.60 |
| Median | $34,290 | $16.48 |
| 75th percentile | $47,160 | $22.67 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,120 | $34.67 |
| Average (mean) | $41,760 | $20.08 |
Half of animal trainers 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 | $2,857.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,428.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,318.85 |
| Weekly | $659.42 |
| Hourly | $16.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Animal Trainer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Toledo, OH | $35,840 | 30 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $34,030 | 160 |
| Cleveland, OH | $31,620 | 170 |
Highest-paying states for animal trainers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Virginia | $62,960 |
| Alabama | $55,700 |
| Oregon | $55,520 |
| California | $49,060 |
| New York | $48,790 |
| New Jersey | $46,690 |
| Washington | $46,420 |
| Illinois | $45,830 |
| Connecticut | $45,800 |
| Indiana | $45,270 |
See Animal Trainer pay in every state or the Ohio statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbus, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,920 | $14.86 |
| 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 39-2011. 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 trainer make in Columbus, OH?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Columbus, OH metro area is $34,290 a year, or $16.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $28,230 for the lowest-paid 10% to $72,120 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Columbus, OH?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Columbus, OH metro area earn at least $72,120 a year. The top 25% earn $47,160 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Columbus, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $28,230 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $28,280 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Columbus, OH?
About 170 animal trainers are employed in the Columbus, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.