Animal Caretakers pay in Columbus

In Columbus (OH), the median pay for animal caretakers is $14.86 an hour ($30,920 a year). About 2,100 people work in this job there.

$14.86Median hourly pay
$29,220–$36,300Middle half of workers, yearly
2,100People in this job in Columbus (OH)

That is 13% lower than the U.S. median ($35,360). It is 2% higher than the Ohio median ($30,310).

Pay range for animal caretakers in Columbus (OH)

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$13.40$27,860
25% of workers$14.05$29,220
Half of workers (median)$14.86$30,920
75% of workers$17.45$36,300
90% of workers$27.33$56,840

Animal Caretakers pay in Ohio metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Akron$31,190520
Columbus (this page)$30,9202,100
Toledo$30,870590
Cincinnati$30,5402,320
Cleveland$30,2201,690
Springfield$29,890110
Youngstown-Warren$29,490260
Mansfield$29,45050
Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek$29,400530
Sandusky$28,97070
Lima$28,63070
Canton-Massillon$28,580300

Ohio unemployment rate: 3.3% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for animal caretakers

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 1 to 3 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Short-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: +12.1% over ten years, much faster than average · about 62,800 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Columbus (OH)

JobMedian yearly pay
Nursing Assistants$42,970
Childcare Workers$30,280
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$37,280
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$49,260

Other job titles for this job

AquaristAnimal Care TechnicianAnimal Health TechnicianAnimal Care Service WorkerAnimal Care SpecialistAnimal CaretakerWildlife RehabilitatorAnimal HandlerCat GroomerDog GroomerPet GroomerAnimal Care Attendant

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.