Entry-level chiropractors' salaries are much less than those of established practitioners.
Although chiropractors often don't earn salaries that rival those of traditional physicians, they're usually able to make a solid living from their skills. Although entry-level positions feature lower salaries, particularly for chiropractors who start their own practice as they establish a client base, chiropractors' salaries may grow significantly over the course of their career.
Starting Salary
Establishing a clientele is essential for any independent chiropractor; thus many may have smaller earnings during their first few years than employees of a clinic. Chiropractors with less than a year of experience may expect to earn salaries between $38,068 and $59,665 annually as of December 2010, according to PayScale. With one to four years of experience, a chiropractor may expect an average annual salary that ranges from $39,748 to $61,631.
Starting Wages
Some chiropractors work in a part-time position or on an hourly basis. In these positions, entry-level wages may vary significantly. Wages for chiropractors with one to four years of experience vary from $15 to $39.04 as of December 2010, according to PayScale.com. Wage data for chiropractors with less than a year of experience is not available.
Established Practitioner Salary
Once a chiropractor becomes established in his field, he may earn much more than he did in the early phase of his career. Chiropractors with their own practice receive an annual salary of $129,084 annually as of December 2010, according to Salary.com. Half of all owner-practitioners' salaries are between $109,688 and $177,945. Salaried chiropractors don't earn as much as their entrepreneurial counterparts, with average salaries of $66,490 as of May 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Chiropractic Training
Chiropractors must make a commitment to education to qualify for their position. A four-year chiropractic college follows a typical bachelor's degree, and covers anatomy, physiology and other biology, in addition to manipulating the spine and other hard tissue. All states require a chiropractor to obtain a license before practicing.
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