Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $35.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $35.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,968 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,787 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chiropractors in Oak Ridge, TN, earn a median hourly rate of $35.09 in 2026, which is below the national average of $38.95. This wage applies to various work settings, including private practices, integrated medical clinics, and corporate wellness programs, making it a practical figure for both full-time and part-time positions. For part-time chiropractors working three days a week, there's a flexible earning potential that can fit lifestyle preferences, while per-diem chiropractors might navigate opportunities in sports team rooms or other temporary roles. The hourly pay for entry-level positions starts around $20.35, escalating to as high as $54.38 for top earners, illustrating a diverse earning landscape within the profession. These figures are projected based on data derived from 2025 sources, reflecting the various employment environments available to those pursuing chiropractic careers in Oak Ridge.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $20.35 | $162.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.27 | $210.14 |
| Median (P50) | $35.09 | $280.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.91 | $359.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.38 | $435.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $35.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.09/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $72,978 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,103. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,403.42 | $6,081 | $72,978 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.05 | $3,649 | $43,787 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.37 | $2,433 | $29,191 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Oak Ridge) | $35.09 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $72,968 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.93% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $74,381.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.09/hr = $43,787/year (purchasing power: $47,698).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,978/year (purchasing power: $79,496).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Oak Ridge grew 12.6% from $30.46/hr (2019) to $34.30/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.89/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
Part-time chiropractors working on a 3-day week schedule can expect to generate a comfortable income, potentially around $43,840 annually, while full-time professionals could see earnings significantly higher. For those taking on per-diem roles, typical compensation ranges from $300 to $600 per day, especially for established practices, with potential weekend rates peaking at $1,000 for special coverage like events. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; for instance, solo private practices, which dominate the field, may offer a different pay scale compared to larger integrated medical setups or franchise chains like The Joint Chiropractic, where earnings can hover between $50 and $70 per hour, usually with bonuses tied to productivity. Many chiropractors weigh the trade-offs between potentially lower hourly rates that include benefits versus higher pay in practices that may not offer health coverage. For those in Oak Ridge, negotiating effectively involves understanding market rates and the specific advantages each employment avenue provides, ensuring optimal compensation in alignment with personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for chiropractors in Oak Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time chiropractors make in Oak Ridge?
Are chiropractors in Oak Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time chiropractor make per year in Oak Ridge?
Do chiropractors earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Ridge?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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