How much does a acupuncturist make?
The median acupuncturist in the United States earns $76,040 per year, about $36.56 an hour. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all acupuncturists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. SOC code 29-1291.
Acupuncturist salary range
Pay for acupuncturists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $38,830 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $161,470. The average (mean) wage of $87,020 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,830 | $18.67 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $55,380 | $26.63 | |
| Median (50th) | $76,040 | $36.56 | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $102,280 | $49.17 | |
| 90th percentile | $161,470 | $77.63 | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for acupuncturists (SOC 29-1291), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025.
Acupuncturist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Acupuncturists earn the most in Tennessee at $141,430 a year, and the least in Colorado at $56,950. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $141,430 | N/A |
| New Jersey | $125,260 | 240 |
| Indiana | $120,490 | 30 |
| Maryland | $101,650 | N/A |
| Massachusetts | $93,360 | N/A |
| Missouri | $89,000 | N/A |
| New York | $86,120 | 1,160 |
| Arizona | $85,300 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $85,130 | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $84,820 | 170 |
| Washington | $83,200 | N/A |
| Maine | $83,040 | N/A |
| New Hampshire | $77,470 | N/A |
| North Carolina | $76,500 | 320 |
| California | $75,530 | 2,520 |
| Georgia | $73,980 | 140 |
| Florida | $69,990 | 900 |
| Minnesota | $69,690 | 210 |
| Texas | $66,530 | N/A |
| Michigan | $65,490 | N/A |
| Oregon | $64,870 | 360 |
| Hawaii | $64,570 | N/A |
| Utah | $58,620 | N/A |
| Colorado | $56,950 | N/A |
State median wages for acupuncturists (SOC 29-1291), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2025. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for acupuncturists
The BLS projects employment of acupuncturists to grow 8.6% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 14,800 jobs in 2025 moving toward 16,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 800 openings a year for acupuncturists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become an acupuncturist
The typical entry-level education for acupuncturists is a master's degree, according to the BLS.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much an acupuncturist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Tennessee, $141,430) and the lowest (Colorado, $56,950) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 7,830 people work as acupuncturists in the United States. At $76,040 a year, the job pays above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.
Acupuncturist salary FAQ
How much does an acupuncturist make an hour?
The median hourly wage for an acupuncturist is $36.56. The middle half of acupuncturists earn between $26.63 and $49.17 per hour.
What is the highest acupuncturist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of acupuncturists earn more than $161,470 per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does an acupuncturist make a year?
The median annual salary for an acupuncturist is $76,040. The average (mean) wage of $87,020 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being an acupuncturist a well paid job?
At $76,040 a year, an acupuncturist earns above the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs. About 7,830 people work as acupuncturists in the United States.
Which state pays acupuncturists the most?
Tennessee has the highest median salary for acupuncturists at $141,430 a year. New Jersey ($125,260) and Indiana ($120,490) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2025.
Is being an acupuncturist a good career?
Employment of acupuncturists is projected to grow 8.6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 800 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become an acupuncturist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for acupuncturists as a master's degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
Related salaries
See more in Healthcare salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.