Chiropractor Salary

Pinehurst vs Wilmington: Chiropractor Salary (2026)

Compare chiropractor salaries between Pinehurst, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pinehurst, NC
$86,789
$41.72/hr
Wilmington, NC
$63,655
$30.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPinehurst, NCWilmington, NC
Median Salary$86,789$63,655
Hourly Rate$41.72$30.61
Entry Level (P10)$52,254$26,872
25th Percentile$68,655$33,899
75th Percentile$111,090$114,585
Top Earner (P90)$134,523$141,856
Total Employed470
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pinehurst ($86,789) and Wilmington ($63,655) chiropractor salaries.PinehurstWilmingtonMedian Salary$86,789$63,655Entry Level (P10)$52,254$26,872Top Earner (P90)$134,523$141,856US Median $81,014

Verdict

Pinehurst and Wilmington are closely matched on overall chiropractor compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Pinehurst and Wilmington is $23,134 (36.34%). Pinehurst's median is +7.13% compared to the US national median of $81,014.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pinehurst spans $82,269,Wilmington spans $114,984. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced chiropractors.

Pinehurst
P10 (Entry)$52,254
P25$68,655
Median$86,789
P75$111,090
P90 (Top)$134,523
Wilmington
P10 (Entry)$26,872
P25$33,899
Median$63,655
P75$114,585
P90 (Top)$141,856

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pinehurst ($92,723 effective) pays 40.45% more than Wilmington ($66,017 effective).

Pinehurst
Nominal: $86,789
CoL Index: 93.6
Adjusted: $92,723
Wilmington
Nominal: $63,655
CoL Index: 96.422
Adjusted: $66,017

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pinehurst if…

  • Higher median salary ($86,789/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,723)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Wilmington if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($141,856)
  • Larger job market (70 employed)
  • You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, chiropractor salaries in Pinehurst grew 25.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -19.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.

Pinehurst, NC

+25.4%

$67,669 (2024) → $84,846 (2025)

Wilmington, NC

+-19.2%

$77,030 (2021) → $62,230 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays chiropractors more: Pinehurst or Wilmington?

Pinehurst has a higher median chiropractor salary at $86,789/year, compared to Wilmington at $63,655/year — a difference of $23,134 (36.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pinehurst and Wilmington?

Pinehurst chiropractors earn $41.72/hr while Wilmington hygienists earn $30.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pinehurst to Wilmington as a chiropractor?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pinehurst and Wilmington. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pinehurst = $92,723, Wilmington = $66,017), job availability (4 vs 70 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level chiropractors earn in Pinehurst vs Wilmington?

Entry-level (10th percentile) chiropractors earn $52,254 in Pinehurst and $26,872 in Wilmington. The Pinehurst area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

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