Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Windsor, CO: $63,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Windsor, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,525 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Windsor's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,500 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,526) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Windsor, CO, can expect starting salaries that reflect the evolving demand for mental health services. Specifically, the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Windsor is projected to begin at around $63,525, which is substantially lower than the city's median annual salary of $109,526. This gap indicates that new professionals may need to gain experience to move closer to that median figure over their early years. As entry-level psychologists build their careers—moving from the initial salary to a potential $79,413 after gaining more experience—Windsor remains a promising market. The city's average compensation demonstrates a stronger growth trajectory among newer professionals, making it an attractive place for recent graduates seeking stabilized employment opportunities in mental health.
About the Windsor Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($126,260) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Windsor
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 Windsor
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Windsor, CO typically start between $63,525 and $79,413 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,240 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,526 — 3.63% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Colorado of $80,000 represents just 125.93% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($63,525/year) in Windsor. 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 Windsor
- 1Research the Windsor market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $63,525 to $79,413, 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 CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Windsor, 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 Windsor for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Windsor'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 Windsor is $106,240 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,525, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,765.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$51,512
2025 BLS Actual
$60,454
2026 Current Est.
$63,525
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Windsor (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,512 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,454 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,752 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Windsor, CO grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,512 in 2021 to $60,454 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,752. New graduates entering the Windsor job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Windsor 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 Windsor
In Windsor, a variety of employers typically hire new graduates, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding programs. These organizations often recognize the importance of mentorship, which aids in professional development. Additionally, obtaining state licensure is crucial for employment, along with the possibility of pursuing advanced certifications endorsed by national professional bodies, which can enhance earning potential. Professionals should focus on building competencies that align with specific employer needs, as compensation can vary widely depending on the type of workplace. Over the first three years on the job, new grad clinical and counseling psychologist pay in CO can expect modest, yet realistic increases, particularly as experience and credentials accumulate. By understanding the local market dynamics in Windsor and actively engaging in professional growth opportunities, recent graduates can effectively navigate their early careers in this vital field.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Windsor in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Windsor?
Is psychology school worth it in Windsor?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Windsor?
How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Colorado?
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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 Windsor. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Windsor 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