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Healthcare career
Acupuncturist
Also called: Licensed Acupuncturist · LAc · Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner · Oriental Medicine Practitioner
What acupuncturists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an acupuncturist do?
Acupuncturists treat patients by inserting thin needles into specific points on the body, often combined with other traditional Chinese medicine techniques. The median pay is $76,040 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 3–4 years after college, and employment is projected to grow +8.6% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$76,040$36.56/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+8.6%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year800Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationMaster's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train3–4 years after collegeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs14,800Employment, 2025
What acupuncturists do
Acupuncturists use an approach rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. They take histories, assess patients, insert thin needles at selected points and may use cupping, heat, massage and herbal advice. Many patients seek help for back pain, headaches, stress and nausea. Most acupuncturists run their own practices or work in integrative clinics.
Acupuncturists usually earn a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited program and pass national certification exams; most states license them.
Typical duties
- Take health histories
- Assess patients
- Insert acupuncture needles
- Use cupping and heat therapies
- Advise on lifestyle
- Track patient progress
- Run a practice
Work environment and schedule
Acupuncturists work in private practices, integrative clinics, wellness centers and some hospitals.
Schedule: Many set their own hours, including evenings and weekends.
A day in the life
- Treat a patient with chronic back pain.
- See a patient for stress and sleep.
- Do cupping therapy.
- Treat headaches.
See a full day in the life of an acupuncturist →
Acupuncturist salary
Half of acupuncturists earned more than $76,040 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,830 for the lowest 10% to $161,470 for the top 10%.
Full acupuncturist pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an acupuncturist
- Complete college prerequisites
- Complete an accredited program
- Complete clinical hours
- Pass NCCAOM exams
- Get licensed
A master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited acupuncture program is typical, plus national certification and a state license.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an acupuncturist →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Point location
- Needling technique
- Patient assessment
- Cupping and moxibustion
- Clean needle technique
People skills
- Calm presence
- Listening
- Empathy
- Business sense
All acupuncturist skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Run your own practice
- Calm, one-on-one care
- Flexible hours
- Faster-than-average growth
Cons
- Graduate program costs
- Building a client base
- Variable insurance coverage
- Income varies
Certifications and licenses
- NCCAOM certification: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
- State acupuncture license: Required in most states.
- Clean Needle Technique course: Safety certification.
- Herbology certification: For herbal practice.
Career path
- Student Intern: Supervised care.
- Licensed Acupuncturist: Treat patients.
- Practice Owner: Run a practice.
- Integrative Clinic Lead: Lead programs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Acupuncturist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as practice clean needle technique and do a first visit intake, safety and how to land your first job.
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Acupuncturist FAQ
Do acupuncturists need a license?
Most states require one.
How long is training?
Usually 3–4 years in a graduate program.
Is acupuncture covered by insurance?
Sometimes, depending on the plan and condition.
How much does an acupuncturist make?
The median annual wage for acupuncturists was $76,040 ($36.56 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,830 and the highest 10% earned more than $161,470.
How long does it take to become an acupuncturist?
Most people need about 3–4 years after college of training. A master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited acupuncture program is typical, plus national certification and a state license.
Do you need a degree to be an acupuncturist?
Yes. BLS lists a master's degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
More acupuncturist questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1291 (Acupuncturists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Acupuncturists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.