Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Killeen, TX: $83,076 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Killeen, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $83,076 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Killeen's local price level (BEA RPP 91.1 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $91,160 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,281) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, TX, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in 2026 is projected at $83,076, which represents a solid foundational income for new graduates entering the field. This entry-level figure, while lower than the city median of $104,281, provides a clear trajectory for growth as early-career professionals progress in their roles. With a 5.08% annual growth rate expected, those in their first three to five years can anticipate moving toward the $93,899 percentile as they gain experience and build their client base. Given the competitive nature of Killeen's mental health market, and considering the cost of living index standing at 91.132—below the national average—it's a reasonably favorable environment for aspiring psychologists.
Career Earnings Timeline in Killeen
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 Killeen
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Killeen, TX typically start between $83,076 and $93,899 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $96,758 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,281 — 1.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Texas of $70,000 represents just 84.26% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($83,076/year) in Killeen. 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 Killeen
- 1Research the Killeen market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $83,076 to $93,899, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Killeen, 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 Killeen for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Killeen'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 Killeen is $96,758 ( 116.47%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $83,076, experienced hygienists can earn up to $179,834.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$57,510
2025 BLS Actual
$79,060
2026 Current Est.
$83,076
2021–2027 Growth
+51.8%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Killeen (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $57,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,076 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,297 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Killeen, TX grew 37.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,510 in 2021 to $79,060 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $87,297. New graduates entering the Killeen job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Killeen 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 Killeen
Employers in Killeen that typically hire newly licensed psychologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often put a significant emphasis on structured onboarding programs. For new graduates, obtaining state licensure is essential, and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further elevate starting pay in Texas, allowing one to command better compensation and gain a competitive edge. In the first one to three years, salary growth can be considerable as new psychs establish their professional identities and expand their networks; however, expectations should be tempered by the varied pay scales across employers and the influence of geographic factors. Early-career psychologists should focus on actively seeking mentorship opportunities and participating in professional development to maximize their potential for upward mobility in Killeen's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Killeen. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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