Career comparison
Athletic Trainer vs. Chiropractor
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Chiropractors earn more at the median ($79,200 vs. $62,520), while athletic trainers usually get to work faster (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s of training). Athletic trainers prevent, treat and rehabilitate injuries for athletes and active people. Chiropractors treat back, neck and joint problems with hands-on adjustments.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Athletic Trainer | Chiropractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $62,520 | $79,200 ($38.08/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,180 – $88,760 | $43,460 – $146,080 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +12.7% (much faster than average) | +8.7% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,400 | 2,600 |
| Typical entry education | Master's degree | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Training time | Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s | 7–8 years after high school |
| Key credential | BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) | NBCE exams |
| Work setting | Athletic trainers work in training rooms, on fields and courts, in clinics and at industrial sites, in all weather.. | Chiropractors work in private offices, group clinics and sports settings.. |
What each job does
Athletic Trainer
- Prevent injuries with taping, bracing and conditioning
- Evaluate injuries on the field and in the clinic
- Provide emergency care
- Design and supervise rehabilitation
- Manage concussion protocols
Chiropractor
- Take histories and examine patients
- Assess posture and spine
- Order and read X-rays
- Perform spinal adjustments
- Use soft-tissue and manual therapy
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, working with people, hands-on work, and in-demand. They sit in different fields, beauty, fitness & personal care and healthcare, but share transferable skills such as calm under pressure and communication.
Which should you choose?
Choose athletic trainer if…
- I love sports and medicine
- I stay calm during injuries
- I like hands-on care
Choose chiropractor if…
- I like hands-on care
- I want to run my own practice
- I enjoy anatomy
Still torn? Take the Athletic Trainer fit quiz and the Chiropractor fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, athletic trainer or chiropractor?
Chiropractors earn more at the median: $79,200 versus $62,520 for athletic trainers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Athletic Trainers typically train faster (Bachelor’s plus 2-year master’s) than chiropractors (7–8 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects athletic trainers to grow +12.7% from 2025–35, compared with +8.7% for chiropractors.