A chiropractor diagnoses and treats musculoskeletal problems, mainly through spinal manipulation and adjustment. You'll need a doctoral degree and extensive preparation. Here is what the work involves, what it takes to get there, and whether it fits you.
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Chiropractors assess patients' physical conditions and medical histories to identify problems with the spine and joints. You'll perform hands-on adjustments and manipulations to relieve pain and improve function. Your day involves documenting patient records, listening carefully to patient concerns, and staying current with treatment techniques. You'll make clinical decisions about care plans and monitor patient progress over time. The work requires strong critical thinking to diagnose conditions and solve complex cases.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Chiropractors earn a median of $79,200 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 10 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 2,800 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need to complete a doctoral degree program in chiropractic, which represents extensive preparation in Job Zone 5. This path requires substantial coursework in anatomy, physiology, biology, and clinical practice. You must study medicine and dentistry principles alongside psychology and patient care techniques. After your degree, you'll need to meet licensing requirements in your state. Throughout your education, you'll develop active listening and communication skills essential for patient interaction and care.
The main route is completing a doctoral chiropractic program, which demands significant time and study. If you're exploring whether this path aligns with your goals and timeline, Pathly can map the chiropractor path that fits you with your counselor to map out the steps ahead.
Many chiropractors must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to helping others and solving their health problems. You listen well, think critically, and communicate clearly. You enjoy learning and staying current in your field.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).