How to Become a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in 2026
Median salary: $95,830 · +11.2% projected growth (2024–2034)
What does a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist do?
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in 2026
The median annual salary for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists is $95,830. The bottom 10% earn around $50,470 while the top 10% earn over $170,150.
| Experience level | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry-level (P10) | $50,470 |
| Early career (P25) | $67,470 |
| Median | $95,830 |
| Experienced (P75) | $131,510 |
| Top earners (P90) | $170,150 |
Highest-paying metros
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salary by state
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregontop | $132,550 |
| Colorado | $126,260 |
| Kentucky | $116,480 |
| Washington | $115,050 |
| California | $114,520 |
| New Jersey | $110,190 |
| Delaware | $109,120 |
| North Dakota | $109,110 |
| Hawaii | $108,840 |
| Arizona | $106,970 |
| Alaska | $105,870 |
| Maryland | $104,480 |
| Wisconsin | $103,860 |
| Nevada | $103,510 |
| Minnesota | $102,650 |
| Ohio | $102,290 |
| Rhode Island | $101,820 |
| Alabama | $100,320 |
| New York | $99,910 |
| Iowa | $98,580 |
| Maine | $97,630 |
| Illinois | $97,470 |
| Mississippi | $92,390 |
| Tennessee | $92,320 |
| North Carolina | $91,840 |
| Oklahoma | $91,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $90,450 |
| Utah | $88,990 |
| Virginia | $87,110 |
| Massachusetts | $87,060 |
| Missouri | $86,340 |
| South Dakota | $85,790 |
| Florida | $84,020 |
| Indiana | $80,770 |
| Michigan | $80,030 |
| Wyoming | $79,890 |
| Vermont | $79,550 |
| Idaho | $74,820 |
| New Mexico | $73,860 |
| Texas | $72,320 |
| West Virginia | $70,540 |
| Louisiana | $67,470 |
| Kansas | $61,800 |
| New Hampshire | $52,510 |
| Georgia | $51,210 |
How to earn more as a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
The salary range for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists spans $119,680 — from $50,470 at entry level to $170,150 for top earners. The highest-paying metro area is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA at $160,210 — $64,380 above the national median. An advanced credential — such as a graduate degree or specialized certification — is consistently associated with higher earnings in this field.
How to get there
Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree
On-the-job training: Internship/residency
Starting from high school
- Complete a doctoral or professional degree program (4–6 years undergrad + 2–4 years graduate)
- Pursue internships and co-op experiences during your studies
- Build 1–2 years of entry-level experience
- Internship/residency
- Advance into full professional role after meeting experience requirements
Choose an accredited program with strong industry connections and internship placement rates. Look for schools that offer co-op programs where you alternate between study and paid work. Many employers recruit directly from university programs, so networking and career fairs are valuable. Consider the total return on investment — schools with lower tuition but strong placement rates often outperform expensive programs.
Graduate assistantships, fellowships, and employer sponsorship can significantly reduce costs. Research public university options.
With a related degree
- Complete additional coursework or a certificate program in the specialization
- Earn professional certifications (field-specific certifications and licensure)
- Build relevant experience through lateral transfers or project work
- Position yourself for the role using your combined education and experience
Your existing degree covers many foundational requirements. Focus on the gap — often 3–6 specialized courses plus a certification or two. Many universities offer post-baccalaureate certificates that take 1–2 semesters. Online programs from accredited universities provide flexibility for working professionals.
Certificate programs and individual courses are much cheaper than a second degree. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for career-relevant education.
Career change from another field
- Enroll in a graduate program in the field
- Earn required professional certifications
- Internship/residency
- Leverage your previous career skills for a differentiated profile
Career changers bring valuable perspective — employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds. Look for accelerated programs designed for career changers (many fields now offer 12–18 month intensive programs). Your prior professional experience in areas like project management, communication, and leadership transfer directly and can accelerate your advancement once you enter the field.
Career change scholarship programs exist in many fields. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses or student loan repayment assistance for in-demand specializations.
Already working in another career?
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The Clinical and Counseling Psychologist role faces above-average AI exposure. Some tasks are increasingly automatable, but the role is evolving rather than disappearing.
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Based on skill overlap analysis — these occupations share core competencies with Clinical and Counseling Psychologist.
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SOC: 19-3033.00 · Data: O*NET 29.1, BLS OEWS 2024, BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034