Clinical Psychologist Salary
Clinical psychologists earn a national median salary of $95,830 per year. Explore detailed salary breakdowns by state, experience, employer, and education level.
Taylor Rupe
B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle
Key Takeaways
- The national median salary for clinical psychologists is $95,830, with the top 10% earning over $170,150 per year (BLS, 2023).
- New Jersey, California, and Oregon rank among the highest-paying states for clinical psychologists.
- Psychologists in private practice and hospital settings typically earn 15–25% more than those in community mental health or academic roles.
- Earning a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) and obtaining ABPP board certification in a specialty area can increase salary by 15% to 25%.
- Job growth for clinical psychologists is projected at 11% through 2033, faster than the national average.
Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, conduct psychological assessments, and provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups. They work across hospitals, private practices, community mental health centers, and academic settings.
Salary data for clinical psychologists is tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics under the Clinical and Counseling Psychologists category (SOC 19-3033). Earning potential depends heavily on practice setting, geographic location, and whether you hold a PsyD or PhD. Board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology can also significantly increase earning potential.
How Much Do Clinical Psychologists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual wage of $95,830. The lowest 10% earn approximately $50,470, while the highest 10% earn over $170,150.
Salary varies significantly based on geographic location, years of experience, work setting, and level of education. Psychologists in metropolitan areas and those with specialized certifications generally command the highest salaries. The BLS reports approximately 123,330 clinical and counseling psychologist positions nationwide.
10th Percentile
$50,470
Median
$95,830
90th Percentile
$170,150
Clinical Psychologist Salary by State
| State | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $120,500 | 3,870 |
| California | $117,890 | 16,420 |
| Oregon | $112,210 | 2,150 |
| Hawaii | $110,780 | 640 |
| Delaware | $109,340 | 380 |
| New York | $107,220 | 12,340 |
| Washington | $106,370 | 3,680 |
| Massachusetts | $103,050 | 4,920 |
| Maryland | $99,410 | 2,780 |
| Connecticut | $98,160 | 2,110 |
Clinical Psychologist Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 years) | $62,000–$72,000 |
| Early Career (3–5 years) | $78,000–$90,000 |
| Mid-Career (6–12 years) | $95,000–$115,000 |
| Senior (13+ years) | $120,000–$170,000+ |
Clinical Psychologist Salary by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Salary |
|---|---|
| Private Practice (Self-Employed) | $110,000–$160,000 |
| Hospitals & Health Systems | $100,000–$130,000 |
| Government (Federal/State/Local) | $90,000–$115,000 |
| Community Mental Health Centers | $70,000–$90,000 |
Clinical Psychologist Salary by Education Level
| Education Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree (limited-licensure states) | $60,000–$75,000 |
| PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) | $90,000–$110,000 |
| PhD in Clinical Psychology | $95,000–$125,000 |
| PhD/PsyD + ABPP Board Certification | $115,000–$170,000+ |
How to Increase Your Clinical Psychologist Salary
Clinical psychologists can take several strategic steps to maximize their earning potential. Salary growth is influenced by specialization, practice setting, geographic mobility, and business acumen. The APA workforce data consistently shows that psychologists who invest in specialty credentials and entrepreneurial skills earn significantly more than their generalist peers.
- Pursue ABPP board certification in a specialty area such as clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or health psychology — board-certified psychologists earn 15–20% more on average.
- Transition into private practice or group practice settings, where psychologists have greater control over fee schedules and can accept a mix of insurance and private-pay clients.
- Develop expertise in high-demand niches such as neuropsychological testing, forensic evaluations, or integrated behavioral health, which command premium rates.
- Consider relocating to higher-paying states like New Jersey, California, or Oregon where demand is strong and median salaries exceed $110,000.
- Supplement clinical income with consulting, expert witness work, supervision of pre-licensed clinicians, or teaching adjunct courses at graduate programs.
Related Pages
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Education, training, internship, and licensure steps required to become a clinical psychologist.
Best Online PsyD Programs
Compare top-ranked online PsyD programs by accreditation, cost, and outcomes.
Neuropsychologist Salary
Compare clinical psychologist pay with the closely related neuropsychology specialty.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on the national median salary of $95,830, clinical psychologists earn approximately $46.07 per hour. Hourly rates vary widely — psychologists in private practice may charge $150–$300 per therapy session, while those in salaried positions at hospitals or agencies earn a fixed hourly equivalent. The BLS reports a mean hourly wage of $49.26 for clinical and counseling psychologists.
Yes. Clinical psychologists earn a median salary of $95,830, compared to $53,710 for mental health counselors (BLS, 2023). The difference reflects the doctoral-level education required for psychologists and the broader scope of practice, which includes psychological testing and assessment that licensed counselors typically cannot perform.
New Jersey offers the highest median salary for clinical psychologists at approximately $120,500 per year, followed by California ($117,890) and Oregon ($112,210). However, cost of living should be factored in — a $95,000 salary in a lower-cost state may provide more purchasing power than $120,000 in New Jersey.
PhD holders in clinical psychology tend to earn slightly more on average ($95,000–$125,000) compared to PsyD holders ($90,000–$110,000). The gap narrows in clinical settings — PsyD graduates who enter private practice or specialized clinical roles can match or exceed PhD salaries. PhD graduates are more likely to hold academic or research positions that include additional compensation.
Most clinical psychologists begin earning a full professional salary 8–10 years after starting college. This includes 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 5–7 years for a doctoral program (PsyD or PhD including dissertation), and 1–2 years of postdoctoral supervised experience required for licensure. During the postdoctoral period, salaries typically range from $45,000 to $65,000.
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