Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Richfield, MN: $65,298 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Richfield, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,298 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richfield's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,292 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,797) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Richfield, MN is projected at $65,298, which serves as a benchmark for new graduates entering the field. This entry-level pay is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $109,797 for psychologists in the area, reflecting the typical pay gap that early-career professionals often face. However, there is potential for salary growth within the first few years of practice, moving from the entry-level range to $83,024 at the 25th percentile, and gradually towards the median as experience is gained. With a backdrop of active hiring in Richfield, this market presents a favorable environment for recent graduates looking to launch their careers in clinical and counseling psychology, despite the initial earning disparity.
About the Richfield Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($96,180) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richfield
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 Richfield
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Richfield, MN typically start between $65,298 and $83,024 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,887 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,797 — 3.89% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Minnesota of $90,000 represents just 137.83% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($65,298/year) in Richfield. 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 Richfield
- 1Research the Richfield market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $65,298 to $83,024, 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 Richfield, 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 Richfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richfield'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 Richfield is $104,887 ( 160.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,298, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,185.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,950
2025 BLS Actual
$62,141
2026 Current Est.
$65,298
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Richfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,950 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,163 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,989 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,926 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,141 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,298 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,615 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Richfield, MN grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,950 in 2021 to $62,141 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,615. New graduates entering the Richfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richfield 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 Richfield
Prospective employers in Richfield include large hospital systems and established corporate group practices, which are often more inclined to hire new grads and provide structured onboarding programs. Obtaining state licensure is vital, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can significantly enhance starting pay, further aligning new professionals with competitive rates. In the early years of their careers, psychologists can expect varying compensation based on the employer type and the specific credentials they possess. Realistically, within the first three years of practice, a newly licensed psychologist can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience and potentially move into higher-paying roles, providing a pathway to a more sustainable income in the evolving mental health landscape.
More salary data for Richfield, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Richfield 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 Richfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richfield 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