Cedar Rapids vs Dubuque: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,234▲ | $77,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.09▲ | $37.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,021 | $44,911▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,874 | $58,095▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,234 | $99,115▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,986 | $120,022▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cedar Rapids, IA offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dubuque.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque is $1,800 (2.32%). Cedar Rapids's median is -2.20% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $60,965,Dubuque spans $75,111. Dubuque has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cedar Rapids ($89,064 effective) pays 3.98% more than Dubuque ($85,657 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,234/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,064)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,022)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Cedar Rapids grew -7.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 54.1% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$84,020 (2019) → $77,460 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$49,120 (2021) → $75,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Cedar Rapids or Dubuque?
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Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Dubuque as a chiropractor?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, D.C.
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a chiropractor. She specializes in sports injuries and practices in a private clinic. Maria also conducts workshops for community health education.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov