Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Juneau, AK: $63,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Juneau, AK job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,204 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Juneau's local price level (BEA RPP 106.1 — 6% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,570 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,971) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Juneau, Alaska, the starting salary for an entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist in 2026 is projected to be around $63,204. This figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $108,971. New graduates can anticipate gradual salary growth over the first few years, moving from the entry-level range into the 25th percentile, which stands at $83,450. The growth trajectory is promising, providing new psychologists with the potential to significantly increase their salary as they gain experience and develop their practice. Given these figures, Juneau can be considered a favorable market for emerging professionals, especially in the context of a 5.08% annual growth rate forecasted for the field.
About the Juneau Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($105,870) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Juneau
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Juneau
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Juneau, AK typically start between $63,204 and $83,450 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,702 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,971 — 3.11% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Alaska of $60,000 represents just 94.93% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($63,204/year) in Juneau. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on APA-accredited PsyD and PhD clinical psychology program data. PsyD programs (predominantly clinical) typically charge tuition; PhD programs (research-focused) often offer full funding plus stipend. Median time-to-degree is 5-7 years; an additional 1-2 year clinical postdoc plus state EPPP exam is required for licensure.
CCP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Juneau
- 1Research the Juneau market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $63,204 to $83,450, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the psychology field — employers in AK often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Juneau, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Juneau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Juneau's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Compensation Range
The clinical and counseling psychologist wage spread in Juneau is $105,702 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,204, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,906.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$51,252
2025 BLS Actual
$60,148
2026 Current Est.
$63,204
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Juneau (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,252 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,225 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,407 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,148 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,414 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Juneau, AK grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,252 in 2021 to $60,148 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,414. New graduates entering the Juneau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Juneau metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.08% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your psychology Career in Juneau
For recent graduates in Juneau, securing positions in larger healthcare settings such as hospitals or established group practices can be a key strategy for career progression. These employers often provide structured onboarding programs, making them well-suited for new entrants in the profession. Many new psychologists will need to prioritize obtaining state licensure and may benefit from pursuing optional national certifications to enhance their credentials, which can positively impact compensation. As new professionals establish themselves, realistic salary growth expectations in the first few years should align closely with the market's dynamics, emphasizing the importance of networking and professional development in this field. Success in securing higher salaries early in one’s career as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Alaska will largely depend on employer type, geographic considerations, and continued education efforts.
More salary data for Juneau, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Juneau in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Juneau?
Is psychology school worth it in Juneau?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Juneau?
How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Alaska?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new psychology graduates. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Juneau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Juneau is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.08%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for clinical and counseling psychologists (SOC 19-3033).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov