Chiropractors vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Registered Nursess out-earn Chiropractorss by $18K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Chiropractorss land at $79,200 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: chiropractor programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Chiropractorss is New Jersey ($134,990); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Chiropractors median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Chiropractorss or Registered Nursess?
Registered Nursess earn more nationally. The median is $79,200 for Chiropractorss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $18K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Chiropractors or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Chiropractors or Registered Nurses?
Chiropractors typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Chiropractorss get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Chiropractorss at $134,990/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Chiropractors vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Chiropractorss earn $134,990 vs. $106,500 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.