Chiropractor Salary in Chico, CA: $79,565 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time chiropractor in Chico, CA earns a median $79,565/year (≈ $38.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Once you factor in Chico's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $70,349 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chico's job market shows promising opportunities for chiropractors, particularly with the expansion of hiring from Veterans Affairs. For 2026, the projected median salary for chiropractors in Chico is $79,565, slightly below the national median of $81,014. The salary range in the area spans from $46,148 at the 10th percentile to $123,326 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied opportunities depending on experience and practice setting. These salary estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and cost of living, positioning Chico as a viable market for both established chiropractors and those entering the field.
About the Chico Market
Salary estimated from California average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,148 | $22.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,853 | $29.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,565 | $38.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,844 | $48.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,326 | $59.29 |
Median Salary Position
1.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chico
In Chico, CA, the chiropractor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,178 (2026 est.). At $79,565, the local median is 1.79% below the national median of $81,014.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chico: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chico Chiropractor Pay Compares
Chico median: $79,565/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chico Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $79,486 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $81,014 | -1.79% less |
Chiropractors in Chico, CA earn a median of $79,565 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 0.10% above the California state average of $79,486.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chico has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chico, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,565 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,349 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,082
2025 BLS Actual
$77,784
2026 Current Est.
$79,565
2019–2027 Growth
+17.8%
Salary Trajectory for Chiropractors in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,082 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,659 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,162 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,565 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,387 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chico metropolitan area, the median chiropractor salary grew 12.6% from $69,082 (2019) to $77,784 (2025). At a 2.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,387 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,305 (17.81%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chico 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,148 – $60,853 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,853 – $79,565 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,565 – $101,844 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,844 – $123,326 |
DC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual chiropractor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Chiropractor Job Market in Chico
As of now, 20 chiropractors serve the Chico, CA area, indicating a relatively stable job market. However, the local cost of living index stands at 113.1, which may affect purchasing power and overall earnings. Among various employers, multi-doctor chiropractic clinics and integrated medical practices tend to offer the highest compensation. Factors contributing to the wage disparity include the mix of treatment payment models, ownership equity in private practices versus working in franchises, and referrals from integrated health systems. For chiropractors looking to maximize their earnings in Chico, focusing on developing a strong referral network and diversifying services within practice can help tap into higher income brackets. Understanding the nuances of each practice setting will be key to achieving optimal chiropractor pay in Chico, CA.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,784 for chiropractorsin the Chico metropolitan area. A 2.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chico 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