Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $46.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Durham, NC runs $46.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,488 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,893 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durham, the chiropractor hourly pay stands at a competitive rate of $46.39, significantly exceeding the national median hourly rate of $38.95. This wage reflects a robust market for chiropractors and presents favorable opportunities for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. Practitioners in roles such as private practice adjustment rooms, integrated medical clinics, and sports team training facilities benefit from flexible schedules and varying income potential. Entry-level chiropractors start on the lower end, earning around $26.90 per hour, while seasoned professionals in top-tier roles can command as much as $71.90. By examining these hourly figures, prospective chiropractors can gauge the financial landscape they can expect in Durham, NC, when pursuing diverse practice environments.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.90 | $215.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.50 | $284.04 |
| Median (P50) | $46.39 | $371.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.38 | $475.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.90 | $575.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $46.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.39/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $96,488 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,666. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,855.54 | $8,041 | $96,488 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,113.32 | $4,824 | $57,893 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $742.22 | $3,216 | $38,595 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Durham) | $46.39 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $96,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.10% higher than the national median of $81,014 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $93,678.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.39/hr = $57,893/year (purchasing power: $61,851).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,488/year (purchasing power: $103,086).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Durham grew 12.6% from $40.28/hr (2019) to $45.35/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.45/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 Durham 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 Durham
For those contemplating part-time work as a chiropractor, focusing on a typical schedule of three days a week could yield an annual income significantly less than that of full-time colleagues. With a working schedule amounting to about 24 hours weekly, part-time chiropractors may take home approximately $58,695 annually, which is a decent earning but lower than a full-time practitioner. Per diem and agency work in Durham presents another avenue for income; chiropractors often earn between $300 to $600 daily for coverage in established practices, while weekend shifts for sports events can range from $400 to $1,000 per day. The type of employer significantly influences hourly compensation, with solo practices offering different financial dynamics compared to multi-doctor clinics or national franchises like The Joint. While some may opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits such as health insurance, others prefer the higher pay that comes with flexibility and independence, particularly in vibrant settings like sports medicine clinics. When negotiating rates, chiropractors in Durham should consider market demand, their level of experience, and the potential for bonuses in various settings to maximize their financial outcomes.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for chiropractors in Durham in 2026?
How much do part-time chiropractors make in Durham?
Are chiropractors in Durham paid hourly or salary?
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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 Durham. 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 Durham 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