Acupuncturist

Also called: Licensed Acupuncturist, L.Ac.

Inserts thin needles at specific points on the body to relieve pain and other symptoms, based on traditional Chinese medicine.

A day in the life

She takes a patient's health history, checks the pulse and tongue, and places a dozen fine needles for back pain. While the patient rests 30 minutes, she sees another in the next room.

Pay over a career

Starting
$35k
Typical
$75k
High
$140k

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Master's degree, about 7 years after high school. 3-4 year master's in acupuncture or Oriental medicine, national exams and a state license.

Ways in: Graduate school, Professional school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.

Majors to look at: Biology, Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.

Outlook

Growing faster than average.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. AI helps with charting and scheduling; placing needles and building patient trust stay hands-on.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry.

Official data: O*NET occupation 29-1291.

More Massage & Bodywork careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.