Chesapeake vs Portsmouth: Chiropractor Salary (2026)
Compare chiropractor salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Portsmouth, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Portsmouth, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,450▲ | $80,899 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.60▲ | $38.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,981▲ | $46,921 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,973▲ | $61,207 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,096▲ | $103,551 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,896▲ | $125,393 |
| Total Employed | 63▲ | 17 |
Verdict
Chesapeake, VA offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Portsmouth is $3,551 (4.39%). Chesapeake's median is +4.24% compared to the US national median of $81,014.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $81,915,Portsmouth spans $78,472. Chesapeake has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chesapeake ($81,831 effective) pays 4.39% more than Portsmouth ($78,391 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,450/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,896)
- ✓Larger job market (63 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,831)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Chesapeake grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.8% growth in Portsmouth over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$90,702 (2024) → $82,559 (2025)
Portsmouth, VA
$84,880 (2024) → $79,088 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Portsmouth, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays chiropractors more: Chesapeake or Portsmouth?
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Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Portsmouth 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