Chiropractors

Chiropractic physicians work in clean, quiet, comfortable offices. Most solo practitioners and group practices have an office suite. The suite generally has a reception area. In clinics, several professionals may share this area. The suite also contains examining rooms and treatment rooms. In a clinic where several professionals work, there are sometimes separate offices for the individual professionals. Many chiropractors have chiropractic assistants and a secretary or office manager. Those who are in private practice or partnerships need to have good business skills and self-discipline to be successful.

Doctors of chiropractic who work in clinics, hospitals, universities, or professional associations need to work well in a group environment. They will frequently work under supervision or in a team with other professionals. Chiropractors may have offices of their own, or they may share offices with team members, depending on their work and the facility. In these organizations, the physical work environment varies, but it will generally be clean and comfortable. Because they are larger, these settings may be noisier than the smaller practices.

Most chiropractors work approximately 40 hours per week, although many put in longer hours including working over 50 hours per week. Larger organizations may determine the hours of work, but chiropractors in private practice can set their own hours. Chiropractors may stay open in the evenings and on weekends to accommodate working patients.

Interestingly, there seems to be an inverted relationship between number of hours worked in patient care and the total compensation earned by the chiropractor. For example, one survey of chiropractors of various age groups illustrates that chiropractors earning the most money spent the least amount of time in patient care per week. Specifically, only about 30 percent of doctors between the ages of 31 and 60 reported spending more than 36 hours a week in patient care; the earnings of each subdivided 31-60 age group were, on average, $113,100 (31-40 years old); $151,000 (41-50 years old); $120,300 (51-60 years old). In comparison, more than 50 percent of DCs under 30 said they worked between 36 and 50 hours on average, and the entire under 30 age group earned, on average, $70,650 annually.