career and education information

2. Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the
neuromusculoskeletal system, which include nerves, bones,
muscles, ligaments, and tendons. And/or the following…
■ Assess a patient’s medical condition by reviewing the
patient’s medical history and concerns, and by
performing a physical examination
■ Analyze the patient’s posture, spine, and reflexes
■ Conduct tests, including evaluating a patient’s posture
and taking x rays
■ Provide neuromusculoskeletal therapy, which often
involves adjusting a patient’s spinal column and other
joints
■ Give additional treatments, such as applying heat or cold
to a patient’s injured areas
■ Advise patients on health and lifestyle issues, such as
exercise, nutrition, and sleep habits
■ Refer patients to other healthcare professionals if needed

3. Chiropractors held about 51,100 jobs in 2019.The largest employers of
chiropractors were:
Offices of Chiropractors 63%
Self-EmployedWorkers 31%
Offices of Physicians 3%
Most chiropractors work full time. Chiropractors may work in
the evenings or on weekends to accommodate patients. Some
chiropractors travel to patients’ homes to give treatment. Self-
employed chiropractors set their own hours.

5. ■ The median annual wage for
chiropractors was $70,340 in May 2019.
■ The lowest 10 percent earned less than
$35,290, and the highest 10 percent
earned more than $147,480.
■ Earnings vary with the chiropractor’s
number of years in practice,
geographic region of practice, and
hours worked. Chiropractors tend to
earn more as they build a client base
and become owners of, or partners in,
a practice.
$82,380
$70,340
$39,810
Healthcare diagnosing
or treating
practitioners
Chiropractors
Total, all occupations
Chiropractors
Median annual wages, May 2019

6. Employment of chiropractors is
projected to grow 4 percent from 2019
to 2029, about as fast as the average for
all occupations. The aging of the large
baby-boom generation will lead to new
opportunities for chiropractors because
older adults are more likely than
younger people to have
neuromusculoskeletal and joint
problems.
10%
4%
4%
Healthcare diagnosing
or treating
practitioners
Chiropractors
Total, all occupations
Chiropractors
Percent change in employment,
projected 2019-29

7. ■ must earn a Doctor of Chiropractic
(D.C.) degree
– Doctor of Chiropractic
programs typically take 4 years
to complete and require at least
3 years of undergraduate
college education for
admission.
■ Must earn a state license

8. Quick Facts
2019 Median Pay $70,340 per year
$33.82 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-JobTraining None
Number of Jobs, 2019 51,100
Job Outlook,2019-29 4% (As fast as average)
EmploymentChange, 2019-29 2,300

9. Occupation Job Duties Entry-Level Education 2019 Median Pay
AthleticTrainers Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing,
and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
Bachelor’s Degree $48,440
Dentist Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’
teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
Doctoral or professional degree $159,200
Exercise
Physiologist
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise
programs that help injured or sick patients recover.
Bachelor’s degree $49,170
MassageTherapists Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to
manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the
body.
Postsecondary nondegree
award
$42,820
Occupational
Therapists
Occupational therapists treat patients who
have injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the
therapeutic use of everyday activities.
Master’s degree $84,950
Optometrists Optometrists diagnose and treat visual problems and
manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the
eyes.
Doctoral or professional degree $115,250
PhysicalTherapists Physical therapists help injured or ill people improve
movement and manage pain.
Doctoral or professional degree $89,440
Physicians &
Surgeons
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries
or illnesses.
Doctoral or professional degree >$208,000
Podiatrists Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for
people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
Doctoral or professional degree $126,240

10. ■ American ChiropracticAssociation
■ InternationalChiropractorsAssociation
■ Discover Chiropractic
■ Association of ChiropracticColleges
■ The Council on Chiropractic Education
■ Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards
■ National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

11. You’re Welcome