Chiropractors Employment Outlook and Salary

Employment

Employment in the chiropractic industry is expected to grow faster than any other alternative health care profession.  The job outlook for aspiring chiropractors is positive as more people are seeking chiropractic care as an alternative health care treatment.  Chiropractors do not issue any medication or perform surgery, making them appealing to health conscious Americans.  In 2004, chiropractors held 52,000 jobs through out the United States.  About 58 percent of chiropractors are self employed.  Most chiropractors have their own solo practice, but some do work with partners.  Qualified chiropractors can also teach, conduct research at institutions or work in hospitals.   

Salary and Earnings

Earnings are typically low in the beginning, but gradually increase as the physician acquires more clients and years of experience.  Chiropractors salary can vary depending on location, education, and years of experience.  The more education and experience a chiropractor has, the more money he or she can earn.  There is a very large national salary range, averaging anywhere from $35,000 to $140,000.  In 2006, the average earnings for a chiropractor was $65,220 per year.  Fifty percent of those chiropractors surveyed earned between $45,710 and $96,300 a year.  Statistics show that New York is the highest paying state in the chiropractic industry.  In 2007, the national average in New York was $96,664 per year.  There are many different average salaries for the following cities:  Houston, $85,000; Los Angeles, $92,000; Miami, $81,000; and Seattle, $90,000.  States that have more chiropractic schools tend to have higher paid chiropractors.  California has four chiropractic schools, but the state of Florida only has one.  California has the most practicing chiropractors in the nation which makes their salaries slightly higher than other states.