Healthcare career

Chiropractor

Also called: DC · Doctor of Chiropractic · Chiropractic Physician · Sports Chiropractor

What chiropractors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a chiropractor do?

Chiropractors evaluate and treat patients with problems of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine, using spinal adjustments, manual therapy and exercise. The median pay is $79,200 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 7–8 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +8.7% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $79,200
    $38.08/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +8.7%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    2,600
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    7–8 years after high school
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    61,700
    Employment, 2025

What chiropractors do

Chiropractors focus on the spine and joints. They take histories, examine posture and movement, order X-rays, perform spinal and joint adjustments, use soft-tissue therapy, prescribe exercises and advise on ergonomics and lifestyle. Many own small practices; others work in multidisciplinary clinics or with sports teams.

Chiropractors earn a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree, usually four years after at least three years of college, and need a state license. BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

Typical duties

  • Take histories and examine patients
  • Assess posture and spine
  • Order and read X-rays
  • Perform spinal adjustments
  • Use soft-tissue and manual therapy
  • Prescribe exercises
  • Advise on ergonomics and lifestyle

Work environment and schedule

Chiropractors work in private offices, group clinics and sports settings.

Schedule: Many work full-time with evening or Saturday hours; owners set their own schedules.

A day in the life

  1. Examine a new patient with low back pain.
  2. Adjust several returning patients.
  3. Review X-rays.
  4. Teach core exercises.

See a full day in the life of a chiropractor →

Chiropractor salary

Half of chiropractors earned more than $79,200 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $43,460 for the lowest 10% to $146,080 for the top 10%.

Full chiropractor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a chiropractor

  1. Complete college prerequisites
  2. Earn a DC degree
  3. Pass NBCE exams
  4. Get licensed
  5. Practice

A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited program is required, plus national board exams and a state license.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a chiropractor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Spinal adjustment
  • Musculoskeletal exam
  • Radiograph interpretation
  • Soft-tissue therapy
  • Exercise prescription

People skills

  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Business sense
  • Patience

All chiropractor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Help people move without pain
  • Own your practice
  • Flexible schedule
  • Faster-than-average growth

Cons

  • Doctoral program and debt
  • Building a patient base
  • Physical demands
  • Variable insurance coverage

Certifications and licenses

  • NBCE exams: National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
  • State chiropractic license: Required.
  • Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP): Sports credential.
  • X-ray certification: Required in some states.

Career path

  1. Associate Chiropractor: Treat patients.
  2. Practice Owner: Run a clinic.
  3. Specialist: Sports or rehab focus.
  4. Multi-Clinic Owner: Grow a group.

Learn the job before day one

Our Chiropractor training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as screen for red flags and teach a core stabilization exercise, safety and how to land your first job.

View Chiropractor trainingIs this career right for me?

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Compare: Chiropractor vs. PT · Chiropractor vs. Massage Therapist · Chiropractor vs. Athletic Trainer · Chiropractor vs. Podiatrist

Chiropractor FAQ

Do chiropractors go to medical school?

No, they attend chiropractic college and earn a DC degree.

How long is chiropractic school?

About four years after college prerequisites.

Do chiropractors need a license?

Yes, in all states.

How much does a chiropractor make?

The median annual wage for chiropractors was $79,200 ($38.08 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $43,460 and the highest 10% earned more than $146,080.

How long does it take to become a chiropractor?

Most people need about 7–8 years after high school of training. A Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from an accredited program is required, plus national board exams and a state license.

Do you need a degree to be a chiropractor?

Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More chiropractor questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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