Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Knoxville, TN: $36.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Knoxville, TN runs $36.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,580 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Knoxville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,344 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Chiropractors in Knoxville, Tennessee, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $36.33 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $38.95. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical three-day workweek, this hourly pay can provide a stable income, depending on the number of patients served in private practice adjustment rooms or clinics. The hourly earnings for chiropractors can range from about $21.07 for entry-level positions to an impressive $56.32 for top earners in the field. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures, and they reflect the pay structure in various environments such as sports team training rooms, integrated medical clinics, and wellness programs.
About the Knoxville 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) | $21.07 | $168.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.31 | $210.47 |
| Median (P50) | $36.33 | $290.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.51 | $372.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.32 | $450.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Knoxville
Based on $36.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.33/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Knoxville, TN can expect to earn approximately $75,573 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,600. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Knoxville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Knoxville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,453.34 | $6,298 | $75,573 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.00 | $3,779 | $45,344 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.33 | $2,519 | $30,229 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Knoxville) | $36.33 |
| 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 Knoxville, TN earn a median of $75,580 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.71% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 1.60% above the Tennessee state average of $74,390.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.33/hr = $45,344/year (purchasing power: $49,394).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,573/year (purchasing power: $82,324).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Knoxville grew 46.4% from $24.26/hr (2019) to $35.52/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.17/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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Focusing on part-time chiropractors earning $36.33 an hour paints a clearer picture, as working three days a week could result in an annual income around $28,500, representing a substantial contrast to full-time practitioners. Per diem chiropractor pay in Knoxville can be especially attractive, with rates typically ranging from $300 to $600 per day for established practices, and even higher for weekend sports events or specialized coverage. In the local market, hourly rates can differ significantly based on the type of employer; for example, associates at franchise chains like The Joint may earn between $50 and $70 per hour, often with productivity bonuses, while solo practitioners might focus on building a loyal patient base. Chiropractors may need to weigh lower hourly rates that include health benefits against higher compensation that lacks additional perks. Negotiating effectively in this environment can help professionals assess which role offers the best alignment between their career goals and financial needs, enabling them to thrive in the diverse landscape of chiropractic practice in Knoxville.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
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 Knoxville. 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 Knoxville 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