From : Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
Newly licensed chiropractors can set up a new practice,
purchase an established one, or enter into partnership with an established
practitioner. They also may take a salaried position with an established
chiropractor, a group practice, or a health care facility.
Employment
Chiropractors held about 53,000 jobs in 2004. Approximately 58 percent
of chiropractors are self-employed. Most chiropractors are in solo
practice, although some are in group practice or work for other chiropractors.
A small number teach, conduct research at chiropractic institutions,
or work in hospitals and clinics.
Many chiropractors are located in small communities. However, there
still often are geographic imbalances in the distribution of chiropractors,
in part because many establish practices close to one of the few chiropractic
institutions.
Job Outlook
Job prospects are expected to be good for persons who
enter the practice of chiropractic. Employment of chiropractors is
expected to grow
faster than average for all occupations through the year
2014 as consumer demand for alternative health care grows. Because
chiropractors emphasize the importance of healthy lifestyles and do
not prescribe drugs or perform surgery, chiropractic care is appealing
to many health-conscious Americans. Chiropractic treatment of the
back, neck, extremities, and joints has become more accepted as a
result of research and changing attitudes about alternative, noninvasive
health care practices. The rapidly expanding older population, with
its increased likelihood of mechanical and structural problems, also
will increase demand for chiropractors.
Demand for chiropractic treatment, however, is related as well to
the ability of patients to pay, either directly or through health
insurance. Although more insurance plans now cover chiropractic services,
the extent of such coverage varies among plans. Increasingly, chiropractors
must educate communities about the benefits of chiropractic care in
order to establish a successful practice.
In this occupation, replacement needs arise almost entirely from retirements.
Chiropractors usually remain in the occupation until they retire;
few transfer to other occupations. Establishing a new practice will
be easiest in areas with a low concentration of chiropractors.
Earnings
Median annual earnings of salaried chiropractors were $69,910
in May 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $46,710 and $118,280
a year.
In 2005, the mean salary for chiropractors was $104,363, according
to a survey conducted by Chiropractic Economics magazine.
In chiropractic, as in other types of independent practice, earnings
are relatively low in the beginning and increase as the practice
grows. Geographic location and the characteristics and qualifications
of the practitioner also may influence earnings. Self-employed chiropractors
must provide their own health insurance and retirement.
General information on a career as a chiropractor is available from
the following organizations:
American Chiropractic Association, 1701 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington,
VA 22209. Internet: http://www.acatoday.org
International Chiropractors Association, 1110 North Glebe Rd.,
Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201. Internet: http://www.chiropractic.org
World Chiropractic Alliance, 2950 N. Dobson Rd., Suite 1, Chandler,
AZ 85224.
For information on State education and licensure requirements,
contact:
Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, 5401 W. 10th St.,
Suite 101, Greeley, CO 80634-4400. Internet: http://www.fclb.org
For more information on the national chiropractic licensing exam,
contact:
National Board of Chiropractic Examiners, 901 54th Ave., Suite
101, Greeley, CO 80634-4400. Internet: http://www.nbce.org
For information on admission requirements to a specific chiropractic
college, as well as scholarship and loan information, contact the
college’s admissions office.
