Chiropractors
May 2005 employment and annual earnings distribution, wage and salary workers
Chiropractors: Adjust spinal column and other articulations of the body to correct abnormalities of the human body believed to be caused by interference with the nervous system. Examine patient to determine nature and extent of disorder. Manipulate spine or other involved area. May utilize supplementary measures, such as exercise, rest, water, light, heat, and nutritional therapy.
Chiropractors held about 53,000 jobs in 2004. Approximately 58 percent of chiropractors are self-employed. Most chiropractors are in solo practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors. A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions, or work in hospitals and clinics.
Many chiropractors are located in small communities. However, there still often are geographic imbalances in the distribution of chiropractors, in part because many establish practices close to one of the few chiropractic institutions.
Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $69,910 in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,710 and $118,280 a year.
In 2005, the mean salary for chiropractors was $104,363, according to a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine.
In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice grows. Geographic location and the characteristics and qualifications of the practitioner also may influence earnings. Self-employed chiropractors must provide their own health insurance and retirement.
(from the Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chiropractors)
See more recent statistics for employed workers below.
May 2005 employment and annual earnings distribution, wage and salary workers
National Occupational Employment and Earnings by Industry (NAICS sector and 3-digit industry group)
| Chiropractors | |||||
| Percentile earnings distribution | |||||
| 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services employment: 70 mean earnings: $83,530 (EC) (def) (IG) | $35,490 | $53,440 | $68,580 | $90,080 | >$145K |
| Educational Services employment: n.a. mean earnings: $71,000 (EC) (def) (IG) | $41,190 | $56,730 | $66,680 | $88,730 | $108,650 |
| Educational Services employment: n.a. mean earnings: $71,000 | $41,190 | $56,730 | $66,680 | $88,730 | $108,650 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance employment: 23,930 mean earnings: $82,270 (EC) (def) (IG) | $32,890 | $46,190 | $67,320 | $103,350 | >$145K |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services employment: 23,590 mean earnings: $82,570 | $32,910 | $46,200 | $67,700 | $104,020 | >$145K |
| Hospitals employment: 270 mean earnings: $60,930 | $37,230 | $47,900 | $55,610 | $66,240 | $82,610 |
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities employment: n.a. mean earnings: $50,720 | $25,230 | $28,120 | $46,000 | $71,810 | $83,720 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government (OES Designation) employment: 60 mean earnings: $41,600 (def) (IG) | $29,840 | $31,930 | $35,400 | $50,570 | $56,980 |
source: Occupational Employment Statistics Program; about these estimates
The (EC) links lead to data from the Economic Census from the Census Bureau.
The (def) links lead to 2002 NAICS industry definitions from the Census Bureau.
The (IG) links lead to Industry at a Glance industry profiles from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.