Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $33.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Cookeville, TN runs $33.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,665 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,395 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Cookeville, Tennessee, the projected chiropractor hourly pay in 2026 is $33.97, representing a notable discrepancy when compared to the national median of $38.95. This figure is crucial for practicing chiropractors, especially those considering part-time roles that typically span three days a week or operate on a per-diem basis. Private practice adjustment rooms, integrated medical clinics, and various sports team settings often hire chiropractors under these flexible working conditions. The hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $19.70, while more experienced practitioners can earn as much as $52.66. These figures, estimated based on annual salary data, inform choices between traditional employment and freelance opportunities across the region.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.70 | $157.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.19 | $209.49 |
| Median (P50) | $33.97 | $271.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.48 | $347.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.66 | $421.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $33.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.97/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $70,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,765. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,358.82 | $5,888 | $70,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $815.29 | $3,533 | $42,395 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.53 | $2,355 | $28,263 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Cookeville) | $33.97 |
| 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 Cookeville, TN earn a median of $70,665 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.77% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $74,384.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.97/hr = $42,395/year (purchasing power: $46,182).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,659/year (purchasing power: $76,970).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Cookeville grew 12.6% from $29.49/hr (2019) to $33.21/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.75/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 Cookeville 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 Cookeville
A chiropractor working part-time in Cookeville at an average of 24 hours per week could potentially bring home around $39,586 annually, significantly lower than what a full-time counterpart might earn. For those who opt for per-diem or agency work, rates can fluctuate widely; established practices generally pay between $300-$600 per day, while event coverage might command $400-$1,000 for a single day. Various employer types, such as solo private practices, multi-doctor clinics, and VA hospitals, also influence hourly compensation, with franchise chains like The Joint Chiropractic usually offering $50-$70 per hour, often accompanied by productivity bonuses. Trade-offs come into play as well—though some chiropractors accept lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, others prefer higher-paying positions that lack these advantages. For those in Cookeville, negotiating their services might require emphasizing their specialty skills or considering offers that combine desired hours with competitive rates.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for chiropractors in Cookeville in 2026?
How much do part-time chiropractors make in Cookeville?
Are chiropractors in Cookeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time chiropractor make per year in Cookeville?
Do chiropractors earn more per hour working part-time in Cookeville?
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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 Cookeville. 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 Cookeville 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