Physical Therapists vs Chiropractors salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for Physical Therapists is $92,920, while the average annual salary for Chiropractors is $81,240. This means that Physical Therapists earn a higher salary than Chiropractors.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the salary of an employee can be influenced by factors such as location and experience. In particular, Physical Therapists working in Nevada (with a salary of $104,210 on average) may earn more than those in North Dakota ($81,480). To provide another instance, Chiropractors in Connecticut have an average wage that is 119% higher than those in Montana.

Physical Therapists vs Chiropractors overview

Physical Therapists and Chiropractors are fundamental to the Health Care Services industry. People are often interested in learning about the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.

Physical Therapist job description

Physical Therapists assess, plan, organize, and participate in rehabilitative programs that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury.

Physical Therapist education and experience

Among Physical Therapists, about a half have obtained a Doctoral Degree, 38% hold a Master's Degree, and 8% have a Bachelor's Degree. In terms of experience, about a third of Physical Therapist occupations require no previous experience. A smaller portion of roles (23%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.

Physical Therapist average salary

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 225,350 Physical Therapists employed in the United States in 2021, and they earned an average annual income of $92,920. The bottom 10 percent earned $61,930 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $127,110 or more. Compared to the previous year, the mean salary has grown by 1.4%.

Do Physical Therapists make good money?

Physical Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they make about a third more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Physical Therapists typically make good salaries, since their mean salary is 59% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Physical Therapists job growth

In 2021, there have been 4,480 more Physical Therapist job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 2%. Job growth has averaged -0.4% over the past 3 years.

Chiropractor job description

Chiropractors assess, treat, and care for patients by manipulation of spine and musculoskeletal system. May provide spinal adjustment or address sacral or pelvic misalignment.

Chiropractor education and experience

To become a Chiropractor, an individual usually must obtain a Doctoral Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a First Professional Degree (8%) and a Post-Secondary Certificate (7%). In terms of experience, over half Chiropractor occupations require a 1 to 2 years of previous experience working in the field. A smaller portion of roles (15%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.

Chiropractor average salary

As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Chiropractors employed in the United States was 35,810, and they earned an average of $81,240 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $37,400 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $128,750 or more. The average salary has a decrease of 3.1% in comparison to the previous year.

Do Chiropractors make good money?

Chiropractors are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 39% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 15% more than the mean salary of the Health Care Services industry ($70,360).

Chiropractors are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 39% above the average pay in the United States ($58,260).

Chiropractors job growth

In 2021, there have been 1,050 more Chiropractor job opportunities than the previous year across the nation, and that shows an increase of 3%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged 1%.

FAQ

Do Physical Therapists or Chiropractors make more?

Physical Therapists make 14% more than Chiropractors. The average annual pay for Chiropractors is $81,240, while Physical Therapists earn $92,920 per year.

How long does it take to become a Physical Therapist vs Chiropractor?

Both Physical Therapist and Chiropractor occupations typically require a Doctoral Degree. It most often takes between 4 years and 6 years to obtain a Doctoral Degree. But, considering that a Master's Degree must be obtained first, it may take around 13 years to complete the full educational program.

Is it harder to become a Physical Therapist vs Chiropractor?

The education requirements for both occupations are similar, making the difficulty of achieving either one equal.

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