Chiropractor Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $71,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time chiropractor in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $71,198/year (โ $34.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 โ projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1011). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $78,759 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates ยท View source

Chiropractor salaries in Ottumwa are projected to reach a median annual wage of $71,198 by 2026. This figure reflects a notable decline compared to the national median for chiropractors, which is estimated at $81,014, showcasing a regional disparity in compensation. The salary range for chiropractors in Ottumwa varies significantly, from approximately $43,633 at the lower end to $110,357 for the highest earners. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight the diverse opportunities available for chiropractors in this Iowa city, particularly amid the expansion of VA chiropractic services, which enhances job availability and creates competition in the local market.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,633 | $20.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,652 | $27.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,198 | $34.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,133 | $43.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,357 | $53.06 |
Median Salary Position
12.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the chiropractor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,724 (2026 est.). At $71,198, the local median is 12.12% below the national median of $81,014.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Chiropractor Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $71,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $76,557 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $81,014 | -12.12% less |
Chiropractors in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $71,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.12% lower than the national median of $81,014 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $76,557.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal ร (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ottumwa, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A chiropractor earning $71,198 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $78,759 in an average-cost city โ an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,817
2025 BLS Actual
$69,604
2026 Current Est.
$71,198
2019โ2027 Growth
+17.8%
Salary Trajectory for Chiropractors in Ottumwa (2019โ2027)
2019โ2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,817 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,151 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,913 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,247 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,258 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,241 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,604 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,828 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median chiropractor salary grew 12.6% from $61,817 (2019) to $69,604 (2025). At a 2.29% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,828 by 2027 โ a total increase of $11,011 (17.81%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019โ2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026โ2026 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) | $43,633 โ $56,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,652 โ $71,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,198 โ $91,133 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,133 โ $110,357 |
DC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual chiropractor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Chiropractor Job Market in Ottumwa
With only five chiropractors currently employed in Ottumwa, the job market remains relatively niche. The cost of living index sits at 90.4, indicating a lower-than-average expense for residents, which can positively impact take-home pay and purchasing power for local chiropractors. Among various employment options, multi-doctor clinics and integrated medical settings typically offer some of the highest salaries, benefiting from a wider patient base and potential insurance reimbursements. The significant spread between low and high pay within the area often derives from factors such as practice ownership, the adoption of subscription models, and income from corporate consulting or sports medicine referrals. To maximize pay, aspiring chiropractors in Ottumwa should consider diversifying their income streams and pursuing integrated practice models while staying informed about evolving trends in the chiropractic field.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $69,604 for chiropractorsin the Ottumwa 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 (P10โP90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ottumwa 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. ยท View source data at BLS.gov