Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Blaine, MN: $64,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Blaine, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,200 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Blaine's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $65,178 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates considering a position as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Blaine, Minnesota, the starting landscape appears promising. The projected entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Blaine for 2026 stands at $64,200, which is lower than the city's median of $110,689. This gap illustrates the growth potential for new professionals who can progress from entry-level positions to those commanding more median pay within their first few years. The incremental leap from starting positions to the 25th percentile, which is estimated at $80,818, highlights a clear trajectory for dedicated newcomers in the field. With an annual growth rate projected at 5.08%, Blaine presents an encouraging market for fresh graduates to launch their careers.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($96,180) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Blaine
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 Blaine
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Blaine, MN typically start between $64,200 and $80,818 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,368 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,689 — 4.73% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Minnesota of $90,000 represents just 140.19% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($64,200/year) in Blaine. 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 Blaine
- 1Research the Blaine market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $64,200 to $80,818, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Blaine, 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 Blaine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Blaine'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 Blaine is $107,368 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,200, experienced hygienists can earn up to $171,568.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,060
2025 BLS Actual
$61,096
2026 Current Est.
$64,200
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Blaine (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,353 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,064 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,356 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,096 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,461 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Blaine, MN grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,060 in 2021 to $61,096 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,461. New graduates entering the Blaine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blaine 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 Blaine
In Blaine, various employers are actively seeking newly licensed psychologists, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These types of organizations often offer structured onboarding processes that can be particularly beneficial for recent graduates. Securing state licensure is essential, as it opens doors to a multitude of job opportunities, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body can significantly enhance your starting pay in Minnesota. In the first three years, professionals may see gradual salary increases as they gain experience and potentially move into roles with higher compensation. Additionally, the salary growth will depend on the employer type, geographic area, and credential mix, allowing strategic planning for one's career development in the competitive landscape of clinical and counseling psychology in Blaine.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Blaine in 2026?
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Is psychology school worth it in Blaine?
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How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Minnesota?
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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 Blaine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Blaine 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