Chiropractor Salary

Modesto vs Sacramento: Chiropractor Salary (2026)

Compare chiropractor salaries between Modesto, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Modesto, CA
$75,326
$36.21/hr
Sacramento, CA
$105,451
$50.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricModesto, CASacramento, CA
Median Salary$75,326$105,451
Hourly Rate$36.21$50.69
Entry Level (P10)$74,672$45,294
25th Percentile$74,672$62,837
75th Percentile$102,249$111,844
Top Earner (P90)$104,540$143,247
Total Employed40130
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Modesto ($75,326) and Sacramento ($105,451) chiropractor salaries.ModestoSacramentoMedian Salary$75,326$105,451Entry Level (P10)$74,672$45,294Top Earner (P90)$104,540$143,247US Median $81,014

Verdict

Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for chiropractors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.

The salary gap between Modesto and Sacramento is $30,125 (39.99%). Sacramento's median is +30.16% compared to the US national median of $81,014.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $29,868,Sacramento spans $97,953. Sacramento has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.

Modesto
P10 (Entry)$74,672
P25$74,672
Median$75,326
P75$102,249
P90 (Top)$104,540
Sacramento
P10 (Entry)$45,294
P25$62,837
Median$105,451
P75$111,844
P90 (Top)$143,247

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Sacramento ($98,857 effective) pays 36.63% more than Modesto ($72,354 effective).

Modesto
Nominal: $75,326
CoL Index: 104.108
Adjusted: $72,354
Sacramento
Nominal: $105,451
CoL Index: 106.67
Adjusted: $98,857

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Modesto if…

  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Choose Sacramento if…

  • Higher median salary ($105,451/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($143,247)
  • Larger job market (130 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,857)
  • You prefer the California area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Modesto grew -38.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 124.7% growth in Sacramento over the same period.

Modesto, CA

+-38.9%

$120,434 (2024) → $73,640 (2025)

Sacramento, CA

+124.7%

$45,880 (2019) → $103,090 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays chiropractors more: Modesto or Sacramento?

Sacramento has a higher median chiropractor salary at $105,451/year, compared to Modesto at $75,326/year — a difference of $30,125 (39.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and Sacramento?

Modesto chiropractors earn $36.21/hr while Sacramento hygienists earn $50.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Modesto to Sacramento as a chiropractor?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Modesto and Sacramento. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Modesto = $72,354, Sacramento = $98,857), job availability (40 vs 130 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Modesto vs Sacramento?

Entry-level (10th percentile) chiropractors earn $74,672 in Modesto and $45,294 in Sacramento. The Modesto area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Lee, D.C.Data verified by Amina Patel, D.C.

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