Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Santa Monica, CA: $38.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Santa Monica, CA runs $38.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Santa Monica's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,229 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chiropractor hourly pay in Santa Monica is projected at $38.65 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $38.95. This median rate allows chiropractors to earn a respectable income working part-time, with a typical 3-day/week schedule yielding around $28,000 annually, emphasizing the flexibility available in this field. For per-diem chiropractors, often employed in private practices, sports teams, and corporate wellness programs, hourly earnings can vary widely. The estimated hourly range for chiropractic pay in Santa Monica spans from $22.41 for entry-level positions to $59.90 for top earners. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, underscore the potential for chiropractors in various settings, including integrated medical clinics and VA outpatient facilities, illustrating a diverse career landscape in CA.
About the Santa Monica 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) | $22.41 | $179.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.94 | $231.50 |
| Median (P50) | $38.65 | $309.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.47 | $395.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.90 | $479.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Monica
Based on $38.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.65/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Monica, CA can expect to earn approximately $80,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,374. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Monica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Monica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,545.81 | $6,698 | $80,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $927.48 | $4,019 | $48,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $618.32 | $2,679 | $32,153 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Santa Monica) | $38.65 |
| 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 Santa Monica, CA earn a median of $80,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.79% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 1.10% above the California state average of $79,503.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.65/hr = $48,229/year (purchasing power: $42,643).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,382/year (purchasing power: $71,072).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Santa Monica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Santa Monica grew 12.6% from $33.55/hr (2019) to $37.78/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.53/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 Santa Monica 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 Santa Monica
Considering the financial prospects of part-time versus full-time practitioners reveals nuanced earnings potential. A chiropractor working 24 hours weekly might bring in $28,950 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts, which reinforces the appeal of flexible schedules. Per diem chiropractor pay in Santa Monica can be lucrative, particularly for event coverage, with day rates ranging from $300 to $1,000 based on skill level and the employer's needs. Variability in hourly rates across different employer types is notable: solo practitioners may offer competitive pay but lack benefits, while multi-doctor clinics might provide stability in patient flow and those in integrated practices benefit from health insurance, often attracting staff despite slightly lower hourly compensation. Negotiating for a better rate becomes critical, particularly in an environment where independent practice remains dominant, with the franchise model like The Joint gaining traction. This landscape presents many opportunities for chiropractors, especially new graduates from CCE-accredited programs ready to make their mark in Santa Monica's evolving health care ecosystem.
More salary data for Santa Monica, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Santa Monica. 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 Santa Monica 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