Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Plainfield, IL: $48,856 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Plainfield, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,856 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plainfield's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,315 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,285) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Plainfield, Illinois, the starting compensation presents a mix of opportunity and expectation. The entry-level salaries are projected to commence around $48,856, which is considerably lower than the city median annual salary of $81,285. This highlights a notable gap that early-career professionals will need to bridge. Over the initial years, professionals can anticipate compensation growth, moving from entry-level pay to around $61,844 as they gain experience and establish themselves in the field. With a steady growth trajectory of approximately 5.08% annually, the current market conditions in Plainfield appear supportive for new graduates, suggesting that individuals can achieve greater earning potential in a relatively short timeframe.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($112,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plainfield
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 Plainfield
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Plainfield, IL typically start between $48,856 and $61,844 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,135 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,285 — 23.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Illinois of $110,000 represents just 225.15% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($48,856/year) in Plainfield. 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 Plainfield
- 1Research the Plainfield market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $48,856 to $61,844, 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 IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plainfield, 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 Plainfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plainfield'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 Plainfield is $77,135 ( 157.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,856, experienced hygienists can earn up to $125,991.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$39,617
2025 BLS Actual
$46,494
2026 Current Est.
$48,856
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Plainfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39,617 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,143 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,492 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,494 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,856 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,338 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Plainfield, IL grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,617 in 2021 to $46,494 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,338. New graduates entering the Plainfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Many employers in Plainfield actively seek to hire new graduates, particularly larger hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding programs that can be beneficial for those just entering the workforce. To boost their starting pay in Illinois, entry-level psychologists should focus on obtaining state licensure and considering advanced certifications recognized by the national psychological associations. This approach can open additional employment opportunities and potentially increase compensation. For those navigating their first three years, aligning with employers that offer growth potential and various career development programs is essential. It's reasonable to expect to see salary progression that reflects both the individual’s credentials and experience, as compensation can fluctuate significantly based on employer type and the regional job market in Plainfield, IL.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Plainfield in 2026?
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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 Plainfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plainfield 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