FAQ
Chiropractor FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a chiropractor.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a chiropractor: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about chiropractors
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.
Is chiropractor a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +8.7% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 2,600 openings each year. Upsides include help people move without pain; a common challenge is that doctoral program and debt.
What skills does a chiropractor need?
Key technical skills include spinal adjustment, musculoskeletal exam, radiograph interpretation, and soft-tissue therapy. Employers also value communication, empathy, and business sense.
What certifications are available for chiropractors?
Common credentials include NBCE exams, State chiropractic license, Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician (CCSP), and X-ray certification. All states license chiropractors after a DC degree and NBCE exams.
Still deciding?
Try the Chiropractor fit quiz, compare with Physical Therapist, or explore Chiropractor training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1011 (Chiropractors).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Chiropractors (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.