A chiropractor makes a neck adjustment.
When people suffer from back or spine-related injuries, they may choose to visit a chiropractor. A chiropractor has a different approach to health, compared to medical doctors. Chiropractors apply a drug-free treatment approach that includes physically manipulating the back and spinal area. Becoming a chiropractor takes a minimum of three years of college and an additional four years for a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. All this training can pay off, since chiropractors in the higher salary range earned six-figure salaries in May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
National Salary
The mean hourly wage for chiropractors was $38.65 and the mean annual wage, or average salary, was $80,390, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Median annual wages for chiropractors ranged from approximately $32,750 to $150,570. The lowest 10 percent of employees earn less than $32,750 and the top 10 percent of employees earn more than $150,570.
Starting Salary
PayScale lists the starting salary of chiropractors. In October 2010, chiropractors with less than 1 year of experience earned anywhere from between $38,714 to $60,022.
High-Employment
The offices of other health practitioners employed the largest number of chiropractors with an average salary of $79,870, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other industries that employed large numbers of chiropractors were: offices of physicians, $93,450; general medical and surgical hospitals, $69,290; and outpatient care centers, $85,930.
Top-Paying Industries
The offices of physicians paid the highest average salary above all other industries to chiropractors with $93,450, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other industries that offered high pay were: outpatient care centers, $85,930; colleges, universities and professional schools, $81,570; offices of other health practitioners, $79,870; and general medical and surgical hospitals, $69,290.
Top-Paying States
Tennessee paid the highest average salary above all other states to chiropractors with $112,060, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in May 2009. Other states that offered high pay were: Delaware, $111,190; North Carolina, $109,240; Nevada, $103,430; and Wisconsin, $102,030.
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