Acupuncturists
An acupuncturist is a healthcare professional who specializes in a form of traditional Chinese medicine called acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.
As an acupuncturist, you would start by meeting with patients to discuss their medical history and any current health concerns. You would then examine them to determine where to place the needles. The needles are very thin and usually don't hurt when they are inserted.
During the treatment, you would carefully insert the needles into the patient's skin at specific points along their meridians, which are energy pathways in the body. You might also use other techniques like cupping or moxibustion, which involve applying heat or suction to specific points on the body.
After the treatment, you would help the patient to relax and rest for a while, while their body works to restore balance and promote healing. You might recommend lifestyle changes, like changes to their diet or exercise routine, to help them maintain their health and prevent future health problems.
As an acupuncturist, you would work with various patients, from those seeking relief from pain or anxiety, to those seeking to improve their overall health and wellness. You would need to have excellent communication skills, a strong knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, and a deep understanding of traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $50,080 | $24.08 | ||
| California | 2,130 | $76,180 | $36.63 | |
| Colorado | 520 | $51,650 | $24.83 | |
| Florida | 330 | $46,900 | $22.55 | |
| Georgia | $54,300 | $26.10 | ||
| Hawaii | 170 | $68,920 | $33.13 | |
| Idaho | 90 | $40,230 | $19.34 | |
| Maryland | 110 | $89,720 | $43.14 | |
| Massachusetts | 240 | $66,220 | $31.84 | |
| Minnesota | $71,220 | $34.24 | ||
| New Jersey | 550 | $91,410 | $43.95 | |
| New York | 960 | $84,270 | $40.52 | |
| North Carolina | 120 | $82,300 | $39.57 | |
| Oregon | 290 | $61,600 | $29.62 | |
| Pennsylvania | 40 | $69,310 | $33.32 | |
| Tennessee | $138,060 | $66.38 | ||
| Texas | $62,480 | $30.04 | ||
| Virginia | $66,340 | $31.90 | ||
| Washington | 470 | $55,300 | $26.59 | |
| Wisconsin | 160 | $52,850 | $25.41 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of acupuncture, a Chinese system of health care and healing based on the use of pulse diagnosis, acupuncture point selection, and needle insertion, as well as herbs and other Asian treatment modalities. Includes instruction in basic Western medical sciences, Asian philosophy, Chinese medical anatomy and physiology, Chinese herbs, diagnostic techniques, patient observation and communication, acupuncture points and point selection, acupuncture techniques, acupuncture treatment of disease, pain management, practice management, and professional standards and ethics.
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$71,770 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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Master's degreeTypical education requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as acupuncturists.
- Less than high school 1%
- High school graduate 1%
- College dropout 3%
- Associate’s degree 1%
- Bachelor’s degree 13%
- Master’s degree 51%
- Doctorate degree 30%
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