Chiropractors
November 2004 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 49,000 jobs in 2002. 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. There are geographic imbalances in the distribution of chiropractors, in part because many establish practices close to chiropractic institutions.
Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $65,330 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $44,140 and $102,400 a year.
Self-employed chiropractors usually earn more than salaried chiropractors. According to the American Chiropractic Association, in 2000, the average income for all chiropractors, including the self-employed, was about $81,500 after expenses. 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 for their own health insurance and retirement.
(from the Occupational Outlook Handbook: Chiropractors)
See more recent statistics for employed workers below.
November 2004 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: 60 mean earnings: $84,380 (EC) (def) (IG) | $49,890 | $57,000 | $66,060 | $81,630 | >$145K |
| Educational Services employment: n.a. mean earnings: $67,900 (EC) (def) (IG) | $42,650 | $51,550 | $60,850 | $76,110 | $100,780 |
| Educational Services employment: n.a. mean earnings: $67,900 | $42,650 | $51,550 | $60,850 | $76,110 | $100,780 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance employment: 22,160 mean earnings: $84,450 (EC) (def) (IG) | $34,080 | $45,880 | $68,310 | $108,160 | >$145K |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services employment: 21,740 mean earnings: $84,930 | $34,490 | $46,080 | $68,900 | $108,970 | >$145K |
| Hospitals employment: 380 mean earnings: $60,920 | $17,750 | $35,450 | $51,450 | $67,210 | $123,490 |
| Public Administration employment: 50 mean earnings: $38,450 (def) (IG) | $29,360 | $31,220 | $34,320 | $47,460 | $53,180 |
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.
source: Occupational Employment Statistics Program; about these estimates