Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Long Beach, NY: $63,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Long Beach, NY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,944 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Long Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 115.9 — 16% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,172 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,249) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Long Beach, NY, is projected at $63,944 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $110,249. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for early-career professionals, with salaries anticipated to rise to $79,765 as they gain experience, moving closer to the median over the first three to five years. Given the 5.08% growth rate, those in the profession can expect their pay to increase steadily. Overall, Long Beach presents a favorable market for entry-level psychologists, balancing competitive salaries with a supportive environment for skill development and career advancement.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($117,100) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Long Beach
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 Long Beach
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Long Beach, NY typically start between $63,944 and $79,765 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $106,941 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,249 — 4.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in New York of $130,000 represents just 203.30% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($63,944/year) in Long Beach. 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 Long Beach
- 1Research the Long Beach market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $63,944 to $79,765, 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 NY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Long Beach's above-average cost of living (index: 115.9) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Compensation Range
The clinical and counseling psychologist wage spread in Long Beach is $106,941 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,944, experienced hygienists can earn up to $170,885.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$51,852
2025 BLS Actual
$60,853
2026 Current Est.
$63,944
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Long Beach (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,852 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,165 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,592 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,853 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,193 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Long Beach, NY grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,852 in 2021 to $60,853 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,193. New graduates entering the Long Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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 Long Beach
In Long Beach, employers typically looking for new grad clinical and counseling psychologists include large hospital systems and well-established corporate group practices. These organizations often have structured onboarding programs to support early-career professionals transitioning into their roles. To enhance earning potential in New York, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further boost credentials. In the critical first one to three years, entry-level psychologists should focus on gaining varied experience and developing specialized skills, as salary growth can depend heavily on the type of employer and geography. Early-career psychologists in this market can anticipate incremental salary increases as they refine their expertise and prove their value to employers, setting a strong foundation for their professional future.
More salary data for Long Beach, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Long Beach 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 Long Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Long Beach 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