Chiropractor salary varies greatly from one city to another, across the states in the country and it can also vary in the same city or district depending on the place where one works and how much experience one possesses.
What Do They Do?
A chiropractor is a healthcare professional, also known as a chiropractic practitioner, who deals with musculoskeletal problems. The domain of a chiropractor appears to be similar to that of a physiotherapist but they aren’t the same since the methods of diagnosis, treatments and recuperation are considerably more diverse and extensive.
A chiropractor is trained to diagnose problems in the skeletal structure of the human body, particularly that of the spine, muscle pains and problems in the ligaments or tendons. Chiropractic treatments can be aimed at spinal manipulation, posture rectification and various kinds of massage therapy or it can be a part of a larger treatment for a plethora of other medical or health conditions.
Salary Of A Chiropractor
According to a salary report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary of a chiropractor is about $132,388 per year. This number varies greatly as the higher earners among chiropractors make around $228,140 per annum while the least earners make approximately $31,030 per year on an average.
The hourly wage, the monthly salary and the total yearly salary including bonuses and commissions depend on several factors. One dominant factor is where a chiropractor works. If a chiropractor is working at employment services then one may earn an hourly wage of $41.99. The consequent yearly salary of such a chiropractor will be $87,340. If a chiropractor is working at a physician’s office, then one may earn an hourly wage of $36.58 and a yearly salary of $76,090. A chiropractor working at specialty hospitals will earn an hourly wage of $39.31 and a yearly salary of $81,760. One working at dental practices will make about $59.81 per hour and $124,410 per year. Chiropractors working at offices of health practitioners will make about $38.21 per hour and $79,480 in a year.
Considering the range of chiropractor salary, the average in the United States is about $36.25 an hour and $79,550 a year.
Salary Based On Experience Of A Chiropractor
Like in any profession, more experienced chiropractors will earn more than those with little to no experience. A chiropractor who has less than one year experience or is just starting out after formal training will earn about $30,094 in the first year. This number can go up to $90,000 as one gains more experience and depending on where one practices and how efficient one is. As one progresses through the year, the income may increase considerably, especially owing to bonuses and commissions. Chiropractors may also be a part of multiple practices if one is self employed. Chiropractors with five years of experience or more will earn about $100,000 or more. With 20 years of work experience, a chiropractor may earn more than $140,000.
The experience is not just weighed in based on the number of years one has practiced but also where one has practiced. Chiropractors also have a clientele and a documented history of their practice. Thus, all such factors come into play while determining the salary of a chiropractor. Those with an impeccable history and a reputation that is beyond dispute can earn more than $200,000 at top practices in a city.
If a chiropractor ventures out on his or her own, then the salary depends entirely on the revenue generated by the practice. Per hour wages, bonuses and scheme of commissions do not come into play in such cases.
Salaries Vary Across States
Like in most professions, chiropractor salary varies from one state to another. In Alaska, the median salary is a little more than $150,000 while in North Carolina it is only $113,330. The average in Massachusetts is $106,340, in Chicago it is $102,010 and Washington pays an average of $173,220. Arkansas has an average of about $167,280, Ohio has an average of $126,000 and Michigan pays around $118,270. Kentucky and Minnesota, both have an average of a little more than $100,000.
Across these states, the actual hourly wage, the yearly salary, bonuses and commissions will depend on where one practices and on the terms of employment. Some chiropractors may not be entitled to commissions, especially those who have little to no experience. As a chiropractor builds a clientele and develops a reputation of his or her own, the commissions will be integral to the salary. Apart from the experience, the place and type of employment; the quality of training, education and expertise of a chiropractor will determine the eventual salary.
United States is among the highest payers for chiropractors. The UK, Australia and Canada have similar salary structures for chiropractors but countries like New Zealand and India pay considerably less.
