Animal Trainer salary in Cleveland, OH
Animal Trainers in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn a median of $31,620 a year ($15.20 an hour), based on BLS data for 170 workers.
Pay ranges from $27,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,590 for the top 10%. That is 21% lower than the national median of $39,990. Pay here is 3% lower than the Ohio statewide median of $32,700. There are 0.17 animal trainers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.4× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $35,040, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for animal trainers in Cleveland, OH
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $27,660 | $13.30 |
| 25th percentile | $27,660 | $13.30 |
| Median | $31,620 | $15.20 |
| 75th percentile | $36,660 | $17.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,590 | $24.32 |
| Average (mean) | $35,040 | $16.85 |
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 | $2,635 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,317.50 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,216.15 |
| Weekly | $608.08 |
| Hourly | $15.20 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $31,620 salary, see how much house you can afford in Ohio at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Animal Trainer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Toledo, OH | $35,840 | 30 |
| Columbus, OH | $34,290 | 170 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $34,030 | 160 |
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 Cleveland, OH
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Caretaker | $30,220 | $14.53 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $35,640 | $17.14 |
| Childcare Worker | $30,460 | $14.64 |
| Recreation Worker | $31,380 | $15.09 |
| Amusement and Recreation Attendants | $27,230 | $13.09 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,420 | $18.47 |
| Manicurists and Pedicurists | $35,430 | $17.03 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services | $45,540 | $21.89 |
| Residential Advisor | $39,740 | $19.10 |
| Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers | $29,230 | $14.05 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other | $28,030 | $13.48 |
| Skincare Specialist | $38,370 | $18.45 |
| Funeral Attendant | $35,910 | $17.27 |
More: Personal Care and Service Occupations · all salaries in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH?
The median salary for animal trainers in the Cleveland, OH metro area is $31,620 a year, or $15.20 an hour. Pay ranges from $27,660 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,590 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid animal trainers make in Cleveland, OH?
The top 10% of animal trainers in the Cleveland, OH metro area earn at least $50,590 a year. The top 25% earn $36,660 or more.
What is the starting pay for animal trainers in Cleveland, OH?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $27,660 a year, and a quarter of animal trainers earn $27,660 or less.
How many animal trainers work in Cleveland, OH?
About 170 animal trainers are employed in the Cleveland, OH metro area, not counting the self-employed.