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Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Clinical and Counseling Psychologists make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$116,000
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.3% vs 2024
$123,570
Mean Salary
$116,000
Median Salary
$55.77
Hourly Rate
12,840 people work as Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $62,900$62,90025th25% earn less than $77,050$77,050MedianHalf earn more than $116,000$116,00075th75% earn less than $162,360$162,36090thTop 10% earn more than $188,050$188,050

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California earn a median salary of $116,000 per year ($9,666/month). This is 19.4% above the national average of $97,188. California ranks #8 out of 48 states for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists pay. Approximately 12,840 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 1.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

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.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.5
Active Listening
4.38
Critical Thinking
4.38
Speaking
4.25
Social Perceptiveness
4.25

Key Knowledge Areas

Therapy and Counseling
5.0
Psychology
4.99
Customer and Personal Service
4.38
English Language
4.33
Sociology and Anthropology
3.88
Typical Education: Doctoral Degree (43.1% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California

Salaries for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California range from $62,900 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $188,050 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $77,050 and $162,360.

Median $116,000
P10: $62,900 P25: $77,050 P75: $162,360 P90: $188,050
10th
$62,900
25th
$77,050
Median
$116,000
75th
$162,360
90th
$188,050
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $62,900 $30.24 $5,241
25th Percentile $77,050 $37.04 $6,420
Median (50th) $116,000 $55.77 $9,666
75th Percentile $162,360 $78.06 $13,530
90th Percentile (Experienced) $188,050 $90.41 $15,670

Note: The mean (average) salary of $123,570 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
California ranks #8 of 48 states
$97,188
National avg. for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
+19.4%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Clinical and Counseling Psychologists salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Clinical and Counseling Psychologists take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Data in California

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists Salary by State

Compare Clinical and Counseling Psychologists pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Clinical and Counseling Psychologists make in California?
The median annual salary for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California is $116,000 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $123,570.
What is the salary range for a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California?
Salaries for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California range from $62,900 at the 10th percentile to $188,050 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $77,050 and $162,360.
What is the starting salary for a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California?
Entry-level Clinical and Counseling Psychologists positions in California typically start around $62,900 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $77,050 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 12,840 people are employed as Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California is approximately $55.77 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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