How much does a chiropractor make?

The median pay is $38.08 per hour — roughly $79,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.90/hr (10th percentile) to $70.23/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a chiropractor?

The typical entry-level education is: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a chiropractor actually do all day?

Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis. Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays. Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.

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Chiropractors

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

What it pays
Chiropractors earn a median of $38.08/hr — about $79,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $20.90/hr; the top 10% earn $70.23/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis.
Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays.
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.
Maintain accurate case histories of patients.
Advise patients about recommended courses of treatment.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; you're around people constantly; it rewards working independently; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 34.7% of chiropractors are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are people-focused, hands-on and analytical.

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Quick questions

How much does a chiropractor make?: The median pay is $38.08 per hour — roughly $79,000 a year, with the real range running from about $20.90/hr (10th percentile) to $70.23/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a chiropractor?: The typical entry-level education is: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a chiropractor actually do all day?: Evaluate the functioning of the neuromuscularskeletal system and the spine using systems of chiropractic diagnosis. Diagnose health problems by reviewing patients' health and medical histories, questioning, observing, and examining patients and interpreting x-rays. Perform a series of manual adjustments to the spine or other articulations of the body to correct the musculoskeletal system.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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