Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $36.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Des Moines, IA runs $36.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,523 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,906 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Chiropractor hourly pay in Des Moines, IA, is projected to reach a median rate of $36.78 in 2026. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $38.95, reflecting the regional economic factors at play. For chiropractors working part-time, such as those who operate three days a week, the hourly pay can translate to a substantial income even without full-time hours. Per-diem practitioners in various settings including private practice adjustment rooms, integrated medical clinics, and corporate wellness programs can expect earnings that range widely from $12.85 at the entry level to $62.10 for top earners. The competitive landscape of Des Moines, with around 240 chiropractors, ensures that professionals can find roles that suit their scheduling needs and desired earnings.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $12.85 | $102.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.13 | $169.06 |
| Median (P50) | $36.78 | $294.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.30 | $474.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.10 | $496.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $36.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.78/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $76,510 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,140. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,471.34 | $6,376 | $76,510 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $882.80 | $3,825 | $45,906 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $588.54 | $2,550 | $30,604 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Des Moines) | $36.78 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $76,523 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.54% lower than the national median of $81,014.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.78/hr = $45,906/year (purchasing power: $50,060).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,510/year (purchasing power: $83,434).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Des Moines grew 25.6% from $28.64/hr (2019) to $35.96/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.63/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Exploring the earning potential for chiropractors on a part-time basis reveals interesting dynamics. A chiropractor working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $57,000 annually if they are capped at the median hourly pay. However, those opting for per-diem positions may find themselves earning significantly more for short-term coverage; established practices typically offer $300-$600 per day for per-diem work, while weekend sports coverage can bring in between $400 and $1,000 daily. Hourly rates often fluctuate based on the type of employer, with solo practices and multi-doctor clinics generally offering different compensation structures compared to franchise chains like The Joint Chiropractic or VA hospitals. While some chiropractors choose roles with lower hourly pay for the stability of health insurance benefits, others may prefer higher hourly rates that come without additional perks. For those seeking roles in Des Moines, understanding the specifics of negotiation can significantly impact hourly earnings, particularly in sectors such as sports medicine clinics or military health systems.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for chiropractors in Des Moines 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 Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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