Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Marietta, GA: $56,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Marietta, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,032 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Marietta's local price level (BEA RPP 93.1 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,185 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($96,606) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the clinical and counseling psychology field in Marietta, Georgia, can expect a starting annual salary projected at $56,032 in 2026. This figure represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $96,606 for the city. However, the growth trajectory for early-career psychologists looks promising, with the potential to reach $71,797 within the first few years. For new professionals beginning their careers, this indicates a pathway toward the median salary in just 3-5 years. Given these numbers, Marietta presents a viable labor market for new graduates in the field, offering a realistic salary structure with opportunities for advancement.
About the Marietta Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($116,240) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Marietta
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 Marietta
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Marietta, GA typically start between $56,032 and $71,797 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $93,708 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $96,606 — 8.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Georgia of $70,000 represents just 124.93% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($56,032/year) in Marietta. 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 Marietta
- 1Research the Marietta market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $56,032 to $71,797, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Marietta, 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 Marietta for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Marietta's below-average 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 Marietta is $93,708 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,032, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,740.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$45,436
2025 BLS Actual
$53,323
2026 Current Est.
$56,032
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Marietta (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,436 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,186 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,323 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,878 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Marietta, GA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,436 in 2021 to $53,323 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,878. New graduates entering the Marietta job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marietta 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 Marietta
Many employers in Marietta actively seek newly licensed clinical and counseling psychologists, especially large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which tend to have structured onboarding programs designed to support early-career professionals. To enhance their marketability, new graduates should focus on obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body. These credentials can positively impact starting pay and open up higher-paying opportunities. In the first one to three years, industry trends reveal that salary growth may result in compensation moving toward the upper quartiles of the pay scale, particularly as professionals gain experience and further their education. This strategic approach can help ensure that new grad clinical and counseling psychologist pay in GA aligns more closely with the state's growing market demands.
More salary data for Marietta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Marietta in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Marietta?
Is psychology school worth it in Marietta?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Marietta?
How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Georgia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Marietta. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Marietta 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