Career comparison
Chiropractor vs. Massage Therapist
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. $58,450), while massage therapists usually get to work faster (6–12 months of training). Chiropractors treat back, neck and joint problems with hands-on adjustments. Massage therapists relieve pain and stress with therapeutic massage.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Chiropractor | Massage Therapist | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,200 ($38.08/hr) | $58,450 ($28.10/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $43,460 – $146,080 | $33,640 – $100,200 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +8.7% (much faster than average) | +15.3% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 2,600 | 20,400 |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 7–8 years after high school | 6–12 months |
| Key credential | NBCE exams | State massage therapy license |
| Work setting | Chiropractors work in private offices, group clinics and sports settings.. | Massage therapists work in spas, clinics, gyms, offices and clients’ homes, in calm treatment rooms. |
What each job does
Chiropractor
- Take histories and examine patients
- Assess posture and spine
- Order and read X-rays
- Perform spinal adjustments
- Use soft-tissue and manual therapy
Massage Therapist
- Review client health history
- Assess areas of pain or tension
- Perform therapeutic massage
- Use techniques such as Swedish and deep tissue
- Suggest stretches and self-care
How they’re similar
Both careers involve helping others, hands-on work, working independently, and working with people. They sit in different fields, healthcare and beauty, fitness & personal care, but share transferable skills such as communication and empathy.
Which should you choose?
Choose chiropractor if…
- I like hands-on care
- I want to run my own practice
- I enjoy anatomy
Choose massage therapist if…
- I want to help people feel better
- I’m comfortable with touch-based work
- I have good stamina
Still torn? Take the Chiropractor fit quiz and the Massage Therapist fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, chiropractor or massage therapist?
Chiropractors earn more at the median: $79,200 versus $58,450 for massage therapists, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Massage Therapists typically train faster (6–12 months) than chiropractors (7–8 years after high school).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects massage therapists to grow +15.3% from 2025–35, compared with +8.7% for chiropractors.