How much does a chiropractor make?
Answer: A typical chiropractor in the United States makes $79,200 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 40,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Chiropractor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $43,460 | $79,200 | $146,080 | about 40,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $134,990 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $120,950 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $104,070 | about 1,000 |
| Arizona | $100,260 | about 1,000 |
| North Carolina | $91,540 | about 1,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can vary with years of experience, region, hours worked, and how many patients a chiropractor sees. Building a steady group of patients or becoming a practice owner or partner can also make a difference.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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.
What's a typical day like?
They listen to patients, review health histories, and check posture, spines, and reflexes. They may adjust joints, use heat or cold, suggest exercises or healthy habits, and refer patients to another health professional.
How to get this job
Earn a four-year Doctor of Chiropractic degree at an accredited U.S. school after at least three years of college. Pass state licensing exams; this seven-year-plus route means many start practicing in their mid-20s or later.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like helping and teaching and building and doing.
Did you know?
Surprise: U.S. chiropractors are estimated to treat more than 35 million adults and children each year.
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Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/chiropractors.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/29-1011.00
- www.nbce.org/about-nbce/chiropractic-care/certification-and-licensure
- www.acatoday.org/news-publications/newsroom/key-facts
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY