Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Round Rock, TX: $53,966 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Round Rock, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,966 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Round Rock's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,215 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,044) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the clinical and counseling psychology field in Round Rock, TX, can anticipate a starting salary around $53,966 in 2026, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $93,044. This entry-level pay sets the stage for a growth trajectory that can see early-career psychologists moving toward $66,992 as they gain experience and credentials. Over the first few years, many can expect to close the gap between their starting pay and the median, especially if they remain proactive in seeking opportunities for professional development. Round Rock currently represents a stable market for new entrants, offering potential avenues for career advancement, particularly as demand in the local healthcare sector remains steady.
About the Round Rock Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($75,840) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Round Rock
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 Round Rock
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Round Rock, TX typically start between $53,966 and $66,992 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,252 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,044 — 11.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Texas of $70,000 represents just 129.71% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($53,966/year) in Round Rock. 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 Round Rock
- 1Research the Round Rock market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $53,966 to $66,992, 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 Round Rock, 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 Round Rock for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Round Rock'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 Round Rock is $90,252 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,966, experienced hygienists can earn up to $144,218.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$43,761
2025 BLS Actual
$51,357
2026 Current Est.
$53,966
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Round Rock (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,446 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,357 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,966 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,707 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Round Rock, TX grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,761 in 2021 to $51,357 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,707. New graduates entering the Round Rock job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Round Rock 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 Round Rock
In Round Rock, prospective employers keen on hiring new graduate clinical and counseling psychologists typically consist of large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding programs. Securing state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body can also elevate an early-career professional's marketability and salary potential. Furthermore, it’s important to strategically consider employment settings; those working in hospitals or integrated healthcare practices may see more significant salary advancements compared to those in private practice. Realistic salary growth for the first 1-3 years often ranges broadly based on the specific employer and individual skill enhancement, but it is feasible for an entry-level psychologist to expect upward movement in their annual income throughout this period. Overall, the outlook for new grad clinical and counseling psychologist pay in TX remains promising, yet nuanced by various factors.
More salary data for Round Rock, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Round Rock in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Round Rock?
Is psychology school worth it in Round Rock?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Round Rock?
How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Round Rock. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Round Rock 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