Chiropractors
Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulating the spine and musculoskeletal system.
Is chiropractors a good career?
It scores 28/100 and ranks #155 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays well above the U.S. median wage ($79,200 vs $61,390)
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+9.5% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Typically requires a doctoral or professional degree
What chiropractors earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. chiropractors earn between $60,070 and $105,050 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live chiropractors jobs
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- Typical education
- Doctoral or professional degree
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Chiropractors must have a Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree from an accredited chiropractic college. A D.C. degree usually takes 4 years to complete.
Admission to D.C. programs requires at least 3 years of undergraduate education, although applicants commonly have a bachelor’s degree. Typical bachelor’s degrees for prospective D.C. students include biology, healthcare and related fields, or kinesiology, exercise physiology, or other subjects focusing on physical movement. Chiropractic programs generally require applicants to have completed coursework in sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as general education studies.
A D.C. program includes coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, and similar subjects. Courses in business management, such as marketing and finance, also may be included. Chiropractic students gain supervised clinical experience in areas such as diagnosis, spinal assessment, and adjustment techniques. D.C. programs may offer a dual-degree option, in which students earn either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in another field while completing their D.C.
Some chiropractors complete postgraduate programs that lead to diplomate credentials. These programs provide additional training in specialty areas, such as orthopedics, acupuncture, and pediatrics.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
All states require chiropractors to be licensed, although requirements vary by state. At a minimum, all require the completion of an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) degree program and passing an exam. States also may require candidates to pass a background check and state-specific law exams, called jurisprudence exams.
All states require practicing chiropractors to earn a specified number of hours of continuing education credits to maintain a chiropractic license. Contact your state’s board of chiropractic examiners or health department for more specific information about licensure.
Important qualities
Communication skills. Chiropractors must listen to patients and explain procedures clearly both orally and in written reports.
Decision-making skills. Chiropractors must evaluate each patient’s needs and recommend treatment based on those needs. They must also decide when to refer patients to other healthcare professionals.
Detail oriented. Chiropractors must pay attention when diagnosing and treating patients to avoid mistakes that could harm them.
Dexterity. Chiropractors must have good coordination when performing manual adjustments to a patient's spine and other joints.
Empathy. Chiropractors often care for people who are in pain. They must be understanding and sympathetic to their patients’ problems and needs.
Interpersonal skills. Chiropractors must be personable in order to put patients at ease and expand their practice.
Related occupations
How much do chiropractors make?
The national median wage is $79,200 a year, with the middle half earning between $60,070 and $105,050 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is chiropractors a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 28 of 100 and ranks #155 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +9.5% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a chiropractor?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree.
Where do chiropractors earn the most?
Among states, New Jersey pays the highest median ($134,990). Local pay for every state and metro is below.