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Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)

The U.S. has 72,190 clinical and counseling psychologists, and they earn a median of $95,830/year. The range runs from $50K to $170K. Oregon pays the most.

$96K
Median salary
Varies
Education required
N/A
10-year growth
72,190
U.S. employment

What it takes

The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.

Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists start around $50K. The gap between that and the median ($96K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.

Top earners clear $170K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.

Salary progression

Entry level (0-2 years)
$50K
Early career (2-5 years)
$67K
Mid-career (5-10 years)
$96K
Experienced (10+ years)
$132K
Top earners
$170K

Highest paying states

StateMedian salaryEmployment
Oregon$133K440
Kentucky$116K850
Washington$115K980
California$115K11,900
New Jersey$110K2,850
Delaware$109K190
North Dakota$109K150
Hawaii$109K300
Arizona$107K1,140
Alaska$106K80
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Frequently asked questions

How much does a clinical and counseling psychologists make?

The median clinical and counseling psychologists salary in the United States is $95,830 per year ($46/hour). Entry-level positions start around $50,470, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,150.

What education do you need to become a clinical and counseling psychologists?

The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.

What is the job outlook for clinical and counseling psychologists?

Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for clinical and counseling psychologists.

What are the highest paying states for clinical and counseling psychologists?

The highest paying states for clinical and counseling psychologists are Oregon ($132,550), Kentucky ($116,480), Washington ($115,050), California ($114,520), New Jersey ($110,190). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.