Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $38.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Salem, VA runs $38.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,062 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,638 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chiropractors in Salem, Virginia, can expect a median hourly pay of $38.97, a figure that slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $38.95. This wage reflects the attractive earning potential in this field, particularly for both part-time and per-diem chiropractors who often work in varied settings such as private practices, integrated medical clinics, and corporate wellness programs. For those just starting, entry-level roles may offer hourly compensation as low as $22.61, while experienced practitioners can earn upwards of $60.40 an hour. This range emphasizes the potential for growth in practice, allowing chiropractors to increase their hourly rate with experience, specialization, and business acumen.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.61 | $180.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.99 | $247.95 |
| Median (P50) | $38.97 | $311.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.89 | $399.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.40 | $483.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $38.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.97/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $81,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,767. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,558.90 | $6,755 | $81,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $935.34 | $4,053 | $48,638 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $623.56 | $2,702 | $32,425 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Salem) | $38.97 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $81,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.06% higher than the national median of $81,014 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $83,569.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.97/hr = $48,638/year (purchasing power: $47,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,063/year (purchasing power: $78,549).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Salem grew 12.6% from $33.84/hr (2019) to $38.10/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.86/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 Salem 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 Salem
When considering part-time opportunities, a chiropractor working three days a week for a total of 24 hours could take home approximately $48,265 annually. For those seeking flexibility, per-diem positions provide a different financial outlook, as established practices may pay $300-$600 per day, while weekend sports events can yield between $400 to $1,000 for a single day of coverage. In Salem, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the employer type; solo practices may offer lower rates compared to multi-doctor clinics or franchise chains like The Joint Chiropractic, which tend to pay between $50-$70 per hour and may include productivity bonuses. The trade-off often comes down to benefits versus higher pay, with some choosing lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance. For negotiation in Salem, it's beneficial to understand local market rates and emphasize skills and experience that can justify higher hourly compensation.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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