05th Dec 2007
What can I expect to make as an associate?
As usual, it depends. It depends on the area where you’re working, and on the doctor who is hiring you and the number of other associates in that practice, and the experience the doctor has had with previous associates.
Many associates receive a base pay with bonuses for higher levels of collections. Some doctors pay only incentive/bonus, which is pretty tough for someone starting out.
According to the Chiropractic Economics latest pay and expenses survey, the average associate makes about $60,000. But “average” is a tricky word. My father used to tell me, “If your head is in the oven and your feet are in the freezer, on average, you’re comfortable.” Some associates are making a lot more than $60,000 and I know for certain that many are making a lot less.
If I were considering going into an associate position, here are the two questions I would ask:
1. Is the base enough for me to live on, including my student loan payments? Consider that in any one month you might not bring in enough patients to get the additional incentive.
2. Can I make more working on my own? Never forget that you are bringing in patients for someone else. The phrase “you can’t take it with you” applies here. This is a very complicated question, but keep asking it and thinking about it.
Set yourself a time limit, and then move on, if you’re not making enough or you think you’re ready.)
What do YOU think is a reasonable amount for an associate to be paid? Let me know your comments.
It is sad how most chiropractors will eat their young. I just moved to Buffalo NY and the going rate here is less than $40,000. How the hell am I supposed to pay back $140,000 in school loans with that. I can thank Sid Williams for the top off on the cost of my education because of HIS drama with the CCE.
Bitter and Broke
Tammy Bialek-Lehrer DC
Tammy: I’m sure it’s no consolation to know you are not alone. Thanks for the comment. Many associates figure they will work hard to save money for their own practices. How can you save money at that rate!?!