Naturopathic medicine is gaining recognition in the U.S., yet it still faces skepticism as an alternative medicine approach. This perception can sometimes affect the career progression and earning potential of naturopathic doctors. Becoming a licensed naturopathic doctor requires significant education, typically involving at least eight years of higher education. However, the average Naturopathic Doctor Salary may not always reflect this extensive training.
For prospective students considering this path, a crucial question arises: Is the naturopathic doctor salary commensurate with the educational investment and potential student loan debt? Let’s delve into the average salaries for naturopathic doctors across the United States, and consider real-world student loan scenarios to provide a clearer understanding of the financial landscape of this profession.
Understanding the Role of a Naturopathic Doctor
A naturopathic doctor (ND) adopts a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit in health and disease. NDs prioritize therapeutic and natural methods to stimulate the body’s innate healing capabilities, contrasting with conventional medicine’s reliance on pharmaceuticals and surgery as primary interventions.
The journey to becoming a licensed ND involves completing a rigorous four-year professional doctorate program at an accredited naturopathic medical school. The curriculum for ND students closely mirrors that of conventional medical doctors, encompassing foundational subjects such as biology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. However, ND programs further emphasize natural health sciences, incorporating disciplines like clinical nutrition, behavioral medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, and other functional medicine modalities.
In addition to earning a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree, aspiring NDs must successfully pass the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination (NPLEX) to become licensed practitioners. It’s important to note that regulatory frameworks for naturopathic doctors vary across the U.S. Currently, approximately half of the states have established licensing laws for NDs, while other states are in different stages of considering or implementing regulations.
What is the Average Naturopathic Doctor Salary?
Due to naturopathy’s categorization as an alternative medicine field, the availability of comprehensive salary data for naturopathic doctors is somewhat limited compared to conventional medical professions. To gain a comprehensive view of potential earnings, we need to examine data from various sources.
A 2020 compensation study by the Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges (AANMC) reported an average annual salary of $95,642 for naturopathic professionals. However, it’s worth noting that the frequency of updated research from this source is not high, and the reported average might be on the higher side.
Conversely, CareerExplorer provides a more conservative estimate, suggesting a starting salary for naturopathic doctors around $40,910 (approximately $19 to $20 per hour). Their data indicates a national average naturopathic doctor salary of approximately $73,960.
ZipRecruiter aligns closely with CareerExplorer, estimating an average annual salary of $73,361. ZipRecruiter’s data further indicates that the majority of naturopathic doctor salaries fall within a range of $56,500 to $95,000.
These salary ranges are consistent with reports from Student Loan Planner® clients, who have reported annual earnings ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Notably, Student Loan Planner® consultants have observed that highly successful NDs in thriving clinics or private practices, particularly in high-income areas, can achieve annual earnings reaching up to $150,000.
Income & Student Debt by Profession
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Geographic Location and Naturopathic Physician Salary
Naturopathic physician salaries exhibit significant variation across different states. According to CareerExplorer’s salary comparison data, state-level average salaries for NDs reveal considerable disparities.
For example, Maryland leads the nation with an impressive average naturopathic doctor salary of $136,660. Washington, D.C., and Georgia are the only other regions where average salaries surpass the six-figure mark.
Conversely, states such as Nevada and North Dakota report average naturopathic doctor salaries below $50,000, representing the lower end of the earning spectrum.
Salary variations are not limited to state lines; they can also occur within individual states. Student Loan Planner® data highlights this point, with NDs in the San Francisco Bay Area reporting annual incomes between $120,000 and $140,000, while practitioners in Guerneville, California, earned closer to $50,000 annually.
Factors Influencing a Naturopathic Physician’s Income
Several factors contribute to the geographic variations in naturopathic physician salaries. Understanding these elements is crucial for aspiring NDs to make informed career decisions based on their desired practice location.
Consider these key questions to evaluate the income potential of becoming a naturopathic doctor in your preferred area:
1. Insurance Coverage and State Regulations
A significant determinant of an ND’s income is the extent to which insurance providers cover naturopathic services in a given state. Insurance coverage directly impacts patient affordability and, consequently, the demand for naturopathic care.
States with limited or no licensing requirements for naturopathic doctors often lack insurance coverage for ND services. This means patients in these states typically bear the full cost of naturopathic treatments out-of-pocket, potentially limiting access for some individuals.
The map below illustrates the current landscape of naturopathic regulation across the U.S.:
Map depicting states with varying levels of naturopathic doctor regulation and licensure.
Source: The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
States shaded in dark green, such as Oregon, Colorado, and Connecticut, have established state licensing for NDs and often provide some degree of insurance coverage. In these regulated states, naturopathic doctors are more likely to be recognized as primary care providers, leading to broader patient access and diverse payment options, which can positively influence their earning potential.
2. Area Income Levels and Affordability
In regions where insurance coverage for naturopathic medicine is limited, patients’ ability and willingness to pay out-of-pocket for services become paramount. Higher-income areas may foster a more receptive environment for alternative medicine, as residents have greater discretionary income to invest in such healthcare approaches. The socioeconomic profile of a community can therefore significantly impact the financial viability of a naturopathic practice.
3. Community Attitudes Towards Naturopathic Medicine
The prevailing attitudes and values within a community regarding holistic health and alternative medicine also play a role in an ND’s success. Areas with a greater concentration of individuals who embrace holistic living and are open to alternative therapies will naturally offer a larger potential patient base for naturopathic doctors.
Urban areas, characterized by higher population densities and greater diversity, often exhibit stronger demand for complementary and alternative medicine modalities compared to rural regions. Establishing a practice in a location that aligns with your target market and patient demographics is essential for maximizing earning potential.
A naturopathic doctor consulting with a patient, emphasizing the personalized care approach in naturopathic medicine.
Student Loan Debt for Naturopathic Doctors
The financial equation for aspiring naturopathic doctors extends beyond salary considerations to include the significant investment in education. The AANMC’s most recent data from 2015 indicated an average student loan debt of $167,156 for ND graduates. However, given the consistent upward trend in tuition costs and educational expenses, it’s reasonable to assume that current average debt levels are considerably higher.
In the U.S., there are currently only five accredited naturopathic medical programs, with the majority located on the West Coast:
- Bastyr University (campuses in Seattle, Washington, and San Diego, California)
- National University of Natural Medicine (Portland, Oregon)
- National University of Health Sciences (Chicago, Illinois)
- Sonoran University of Health Sciences (Phoenix, Arizona)
Data from Student Loan Planner® clients provides insights into the substantial debt burdens faced by ND graduates from these institutions. It’s important to note that these figures may encompass debt from undergraduate studies in addition to naturopathic medical school:
- Bastyr University: Up to $498,559
- National University of Natural Medicine: Up to $445,820
- Sonoran University of Health Sciences: Up to $336,819
Student Loan Planner® consultants have consistently observed that naturopathic doctors seeking financial planning advice typically carry student loan debt exceeding $200,000.
Related Resource: The Cost of Becoming a Naturopath with Katelyn Bailey
Balancing Naturopathic Doctor Salary and Student Loan Debt
When solely considering the numerical comparison between average naturopathic doctor salary and typical student loan debt, the financial picture can appear challenging. Accumulating $200,000, $300,000, or even $400,000 in student loan debt to potentially earn an annual income in the $50,000 to $100,000 range raises valid financial concerns.
However, the decision to pursue a career in naturopathic medicine often transcends purely financial considerations. Many individuals are drawn to this profession due to personal experiences with chronic health conditions or a conviction in the limitations of the conventional healthcare system. These intrinsic motivations and values are important factors in career satisfaction and overall fulfillment.
For naturopathic doctors facing a challenging debt-to-income ratio, effective financial strategies are available. Income-Driven Repayment (IDR) plans offered by the federal government can provide significant relief by aligning student loan payments with income and family size. Student Loan Planner®’s team of experts specializes in guiding NDs and other professionals in leveraging these federal loan programs to achieve long-term financial stability.
IDR plans essentially transform student loan payments into a more manageable “tax” on income rather than a fixed debt burden. This approach can substantially reduce monthly payments and pave the way for potential student loan forgiveness for naturopathic doctors under specific program guidelines.
Refinancing student loans may also appear as an option for naturopathic doctors. While student loan refinancing can be advantageous in certain situations, it’s not universally recommended for NDs, particularly those with substantial federal student loan debt. Refinancing federal loans into private loans forfeits access to valuable federal benefits such as IDR plans and loan forgiveness programs. For NDs navigating the uncertainties of income variability in the early stages of their career, retaining access to these federal protections can be crucial.
For personalized guidance in navigating student loan repayment and optimizing your financial strategy as a naturopathic doctor, consider scheduling a consultation with Student Loan Planner® to book a student loan consult and receive expert support tailored to your unique circumstances.
Income & Student Debt by Profession
See how you compare
How you compare to other
accountants stats*
| Average student debt |
|---|
| Average income |
| Average Debt-to-Income Ratio |
Statistics represent the population of Student Loan Planner clients in the respective profession referenced in the chart from 2017-2023. Sample excludes those in school or in training.*
