Chiropractors

SOC code 29-1011 · O*NET-SOC 29-1011.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Chiropractors pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$79,200

a year

Hourly

$38.08

per hour

10th$43,460Median$79,20090th$146,080

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$90,520

$43.52 per hour

Middle 50%

$60,070 – $105,050

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$43,460 – $146,080

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

39,630

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $43,460; $20.90/hr
25th percentile: $60,070; $28.88/hr
Median percentile: $79,200; $38.08/hr
75th percentile: $105,050; $50.51/hr
90th percentile: $146,080; $70.23/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+10%

Growing much faster than average

57,200

jobs in 2024

62,600

projected for 2034

About 5,400 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What does a chiropractor do?

Assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.
Obtain and record patients' medical histories.
Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
Maintain accurate case histories of patients.
Consult with or refer patients to appropriate health practitioners when necessary.
Advise patients about recommended courses of treatment.
Counsel patients about nutrition, exercise, sleeping habits, stress management, or other matters.

How to become a chiropractor

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 82% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Doctoral Degree82%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.8%
Post-Secondary Certificate7%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)4%

Common questions

How much does a chiropractor earn?

The national median is $79,200 a year. The full range runs from $43,460 at the 10th percentile to $146,080 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a chiropractor without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Is chiropractor in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 10% between 2024 and 2034 — growing much faster than average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Writing3.6/5
Active Learning3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
Customer and Personal Service4.7/5
Biology4.0/5
Therapy and Counseling4.0/5
Administration and Management3.7/5
English Language3.7/5
Administrative3.6/5
Education and Training3.6/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Service Orientation.