How to become acupuncturistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter
Median annual pay
$76,040
25th–75th pct. $55,380–$102,280
Top pay (est.)
$209,900
Top 10% $161,470
Pay in 5 years
$89,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$106,100est.
$91,200–$123,200
Outlook score
75/100
★★★★☆ Good
AI replacement risk
29%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+8.6%
800 openings / yr
How to become acupuncturists
Typical education
Master's degree
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.
Skills, education and requirements for Acupuncturists
Key skills
O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).
Key knowledge areas
What the work involves
Assisting and Caring for OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkDocumenting/Recording Information
Important abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningWritten ComprehensionNear VisionDeductive Reasoning
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)
Career path and how to earn more as acupuncturists
Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.