Chiropractors, also called chiropractic physicians, treat health problems associated with the musculoskeletal system. Most chiropractors focus on adjusting the spine to fix alignment problems and increase the overall health of patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly half of all chiropractors in the U.S. are self-employed.
Annual Salary
According to the BLS, the average annual salary of chiropractors was $81,340 as of May 2008. The median annual salary wages were $66,490 and the middle 50 percent earned between $45,540 and $96,700 annually. The highest-paid 10 percent of chiropractors made salaries exceeding $159,640. The BLS, widely regarded as the authority on U.S. salaries, does not separately calculate the salaries of salaried and self-employed chiropractors.
Hourly Wage
The average hourly wage for chiropractors was $39.11 as of May 2008, according to the BLS. The median hourly wage was $31.97. The middle half earned between $21.89 and $46.49 and the highest-earning 10 percent made more than $76.75 hourly.
Starting Salary
According to a March 2010 survey by Payscale.com, chiropractors with less than one year of work experience earn a median expected salary that falls between $36,523 and $52,050. Payscale.com also does not differentiate between salaried and self-employed chiropractors.
Work Experience
The longer a chiropractor has been on the job, the higher her salary will be, according to the same March 2010 survey by Payscale.com. Chiropractors with between one and four years of work experience made between $39,459 and $62,324. That salary range increases to $49,970 through $97,667 for chiropractors with between 10 and 19 years of work experience.
Self-Employment
The salary of a self-employed chiropractor can vary significantly depending on qualifications and geographic location, according to the BLS. Salaried chiropractors usually enjoy benefit packages from their employers. Independent chiropractors, on the other hand, pay for their own health insurance and retirement packages.
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