Chiropractor Salary Guide 2025: Median Pay $79,200, Growth 9.5%

How much Chiropractors earn

The national median annual salary for chiropractors is $79,200. Half of all chiropractors earn less, half more. The average (mean) is $90,520—often pulled up by high earners at the top. On an hourly basis, the mean works out to about $38.

Pay varies by experience and practice setting. New graduates or those in lower-paying states may start near $43,460. Experienced chiropractors with a strong patient base can exceed $146,080. Those who own practices typically earn more than employees, but face overhead costs.

Pay by state

Where you practice heavily influences your income. The highest-paying state for chiropractors is New Jersey, with a mean annual wage of $134,990. New York follows at $120,950, then Maine at $107,300, Washington at $104,070, and Alaska at $103,500.

At the other end, several states pay significantly below the national median. Georgia’s mean is $61,660, Kansas $57,600, and Utah just $53,900. These differences reflect cost of living, state regulations, insurance reimbursement rates, and local demand for chiropractic services.

How to become a Chiropractor

Becoming a chiropractor requires a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited program, which typically involves four years of graduate-level study following at least three years of undergraduate coursework. Most programs require a bachelor’s degree for admission.

After earning the D.C., you must pass national board exams and obtain a state license. Licensing requirements vary slightly by state but generally include passing parts I–IV of the NBCE exams and a jurisprudence exam. Continuing education is required to maintain licensure.

The typical path: get a bachelor’s degree in a science field (e.g., biology, kinesiology), complete a four-year chiropractic program, pass the boards, and apply for licensure in your state. Some chiropractors then complete a residency or earn additional certifications in specialties like sports medicine or pediatrics.

• Complete at least 3 years of undergraduate study (most opt for a bachelor's degree).
• Graduate from an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic program (4 years).
• Pass all four parts of the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) exam.
• Obtain a state license (varies but typically requires exam scores and an application).
• Consider voluntary certifications for specialization.

Job outlook

Employment of chiropractors is projected to grow 9.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,800 new openings are expected each year over the decade, mostly due to growth and the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field.

Growing interest in non-invasive, drug-free pain management is driving demand. Chiropractors are increasingly integrated into multidisciplinary healthcare teams. However, competition for jobs may be strong in saturated markets. Building a solid referral network and getting specialized training can improve prospects.

Frequently asked questions