Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $41.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Opelika, AL runs $41.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $85,943 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,564 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Within Opelika, Alabama, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $41.32, which falls notably below the national hourly median of $50.81. This discrepancy may influence professionals considering part-time roles, such as working three days a week, where they could earn approximately $39,000 annually. The hourly range for this profession in Opelika varies significantly, from around $24.89 for entry-level positions to as much as $64.05 for top earners, reflecting market demand and individual experience. These estimates are drawn from annual salary data, providing a structured overview of potential earnings within the local landscape.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($100,320) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.89 | $199.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.38 | $251.02 |
| Median (P50) | $41.32 | $330.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.89 | $423.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.05 | $512.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $41.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.32/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $85,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,581. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,652.70 | $7,162 | $85,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $991.62 | $4,297 | $51,564 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $661.08 | $2,865 | $34,376 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Opelika) | $41.32 |
| School Psychologist (National Avg) | $41.79 |
| Psychiatrist (National Avg) | $116.00 |
| Mental Health Counselor (National Avg) | $28.16 |
| Clinical Social Worker (Mental Health & Substance Abuse) (National Avg) | $30.99 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Opelika, AL earn a median of $85,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.68% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $92,911.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.32/hr = $51,564/year (purchasing power: $58,662).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $85,940/year (purchasing power: $97,771).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$32.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.32/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Opelika (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Opelika grew 21.9% from $32.26/hr (2021) to $39.32/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.42/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem clinical and counseling psychologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika 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.
Working as an Hourly Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in Opelika
Examining part-time earning potential reveals a nuanced picture. A clinical and counseling psychologist working 24 hours a week in Opelika could expect annual earnings of nearly $39,000, while transitioning to full-time may yield significantly higher income but less flexibility. Many professionals choose per diem or agency work, often commanding a 10–25% premium over traditional staff pay, which can equate to more substantial weekly take-home pay despite less job security. The hourly rates can differ across various employer types, such as private practices or community health centers. While larger organizations might offer robust benefits that compensate for slightly lower hourly rates, independent practitioners often enjoy higher earnings but lack the safety net of health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding local job market conditions and the value of benefits versus cash pay can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers in Opelika, AL.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Opelika in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Opelika?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for clinical and counseling psychologists in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika 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