Chiropractor Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $47.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a chiropractor working in Bellingham, WA runs $47.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,828 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,697 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Chiropractors in Bellingham, Washington, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $47.03, significantly higher than the national median of $38.95. This substantial difference indicates a favorable compensation environment in Bellingham for professionals in this field, making it an attractive option for part-time workers and per-diem opportunities. Those who work three days a week could see varying earnings based on shift lengths and the nature of their employment settings, whether in private practices, integrated medical clinics, or corporate wellness programs. The hourly rates for chiropractors range from $27.28 for entry-level positions to as much as $72.90 for experienced top earners, reflecting the diverse work environments they may inhabit in Bellingham.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($95,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Chiropractor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.28 | $218.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.56 | $276.51 |
| Median (P50) | $47.03 | $376.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.20 | $481.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.90 | $583.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $47.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.03/hr, a chiropractor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $97,829 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,440. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,881.32 | $8,152 | $97,829 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.79 | $4,891 | $58,697 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.53 | $3,261 | $39,131 |
Compare DC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Chiropractor (Bellingham) | $47.03 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $97,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.75% higher than the national median of $81,014 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $97,926.
Chiropractor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.03/hr = $58,697/year (purchasing power: $54,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,829/year (purchasing power: $91,088).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Chiropractors in Bellingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.06/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for chiropractors in Bellingham grew 12.6% from $40.84/hr (2019) to $45.98/hr (2025). At a 2.29% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.11/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
For those considering part-time opportunities, working three days per week roughly translates to an annual take-home of around $56,883, a viable option compared to full-time earnings. Per diem chiropractor pay in Bellingham varies widely, with established practices typically offering between $300 to $600 per day, while weekend coverage for sports events can earn from $400 to $1,000 daily. The hourly compensation can fluctuate across different employment types; franchise chains like The Joint Chiropractic often start from $50 to $70 per hour, contingent on performance metrics. Many chiropractors may opt for lower hourly wages with benefits packages, finding that trade-off worthwhile for stability. Negotiation strategies tailored to the Bellingham market could involve highlighting unique skills or certifications, making a compelling case for higher rates, especially in practices considering added responsibilities or specific patient care requirements.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for chiropractors in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time chiropractors make in Bellingham?
Are chiropractors in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time chiropractor make per year in Bellingham?
Do chiropractors earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
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 Bellingham. 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 Bellingham 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