A chiropractor diagnoses and treats health ailments of the musculoskeletal system. Most of the work of a chiropractor involves aligning muscles or bones that affect the nervous system. Chiropractors utilize and suggest other forms of therapy such as exercise, heat and water to assist in the recovery of ailments related to the musculoskeletal system. In May 2009, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated salaries for these professionals in the Chicago area.
Job Requirements
Chiropractors are required to complete 90 hours of college coursework toward obtaining a bachelor degree, but most complete a bachelor's degree before chiropractic training. Chiropractors then attend about four years of training resulting in a doctor of chiropractic degree. All states require chiropractors to obtain a license to practice professionally by passing a licensing exam administered by their state of residence. Most states use the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners exam.
Average Salary
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 1,110 chiropractors employed in its Chicago/Naperville/Joliet, Illinois metropolitan division. Median annual wages were $78,790. The 25th percentile earned $50,550 per year and the 75th percentile earned $104,400 per year.
Hourly Wages
Chiropractors paid hourly wages earned a median of $37.80 per hour. The 25th percentile earned $24.30 per hour and the 75th percentile earned $50.19 per hour. Estimated hourly mean wages were $41.46 per hour.
Comparisons
Approximately 60 percent of all chiropractors in Illinois were employed in the Chicago/Naperville/Joliet, Illinois metropolitan division. Estimated median wages in Illinois were $71,670. Annual median wages in the Chicago area were approximately 15 percent higher than the national annual median wages of $67,650 for chiropractors.
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