Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Brea, CA: $36.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Brea, CA runs $36.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,452 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Brea's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,267 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Brea, California, chiropractors earn a median hourly pay of $36.27, slightly below the national median of $38.95. This compensation can significantly benefit part-time practitioners, such as those working three days a week, who can structure their schedules around family or other commitments. For per-diem chiropractors, the flexibility of working on an as-needed basis allows for diverse opportunities in various settings, from private practice adjustment rooms to corporate wellness programs. The hourly pay range in Brea spans from approximately $21.04 at the entry level to about $56.23 for top-earning chiropractors, providing a broad spectrum of earning potential depending on experience and practice type. These figures are estimated from annual data, highlighting the importance of understanding hourly compensation in a field where many professionals may shift between full-time, part-time, and per-diem roles.
About the Brea Market
Salary estimated from California average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.04 | $168.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.89 | $223.16 |
| Median (P50) | $36.27 | $290.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.43 | $371.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.23 | $449.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brea
Based on $36.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.27/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brea, CA can expect to earn approximately $75,446 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,526. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brea
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,450.88 | $6,287 | $75,446 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $870.53 | $3,772 | $45,267 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $580.35 | $2,515 | $30,178 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Brea) | $36.27 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.18 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $46.10 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $28.37 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.28 |
Chiropractors in Brea, CA earn a median of $75,452 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 5.10% below the California state average of $79,507.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.27/hr = $45,267/year (purchasing power: $40,024).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,446/year (purchasing power: $66,707).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Brea (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Brea grew 12.6% from $31.49/hr (2019) to $35.46/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.10/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem chiropractors can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brea metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Chiropractor in Brea
Chiropractors in Brea can navigate their income differently depending on their work arrangements. A part-time chiropractor working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $45,000 annually, while a full-time practitioner can earn around $75,452. For those in per-diem or agency positions, daily pay ranges from $300 to $600, with event-specific coverage potentially bringing in $400 to $1,000 per day, significantly boosting overall earnings. The type of employer also affects hourly rates; those working in solo practices or integrated chiropractic/medical settings might earn less than those in franchise chains like The Joint or experienced clinics. Some practitioners may opt for lower hourly rates with benefits, while others choose the higher pay offered at facilities without insurance coverage. When negotiating hourly pay specific to Brea, it's essential to assess not just the rate offered but also the associated perks, alongside the demand for chiropractic services in the area as the profession continues to grow with trends like VA chiropractic expansion.
More salary data for Brea, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for chiropractors in Brea in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for chiropractors in Brea. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brea is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for chiropractors (SOC 29-1011).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, D.C., a licensed chiropractor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov