Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Kearney, NE: $34.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Kearney, NE runs $34.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,383 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Kearney's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,829 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearney, Nebraska, the chiropractor hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $34.32. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $38.95, which may influence the appeal of practicing in this city for some professionals. For chiropractors working part-time, such as those who operate three days a week, this translates to significant flexibility in their lives, allowing for a balanced work schedule. The hourly rate range reflects the market dynamics, starting at $20.41 for entry-level practitioners and reaching up to $53.19 for experienced professionals. This variability means that as chiropractors gain experience and build their practices, they can significantly increase their hourly earnings while working in diverse settings, including private practices, integrated medical clinics, and corporate wellness programs.
About the Kearney Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.41 | $163.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.00 | $216.04 |
| Median (P50) | $34.32 | $274.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.92 | $351.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.19 | $425.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kearney
Based on $34.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.32/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kearney, NE can expect to earn approximately $71,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,182. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kearney.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kearney
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,372.73 | $5,949 | $71,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $823.64 | $3,569 | $42,829 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.09 | $2,379 | $28,553 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Kearney) | $34.32 |
| 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 Kearney, NE earn a median of $71,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.89% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 3.70% below the Nebraska state average of $74,126.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.32/hr = $42,829/year (purchasing power: $46,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,382/year (purchasing power: $78,013).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Kearney (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Kearney grew 12.6% from $29.80/hr (2019) to $33.55/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.10/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 Kearney 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 Kearney
Part-time employment as a chiropractor in Kearney allows for a distinct earning potential. For someone working 24 hours a week, the income would equate to about $48,000 annually, significantly less than that of their full-time counterparts who work a conventional 40-hour week. Furthermore, per diem chiropractor pay in Kearney often ranges significantly; established practices might offer $300 to $600 per day, while sports events may pay between $400 and $1,000 for weekend coverage. Employers in Kearney exhibit a broad spectrum regarding pay rates—solo practices, which are the most common, may offer less hourly pay but could provide additional benefits like health insurance. Conversely, franchise chains such as The Joint Chiropractic often pay between $50 and $70 per hour, accompanied by performance bonuses but typically without benefits. It’s crucial for chiropractors in Kearney to negotiate their hourly pay effectively by evaluating not only the immediate compensation but also the benefits and job security associated with their roles.
More salary data for Kearney, NE:
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 Kearney. 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 Kearney 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