Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Tuscaloosa, AL: $39.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Tuscaloosa, AL runs $39.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,173 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Tuscaloosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.7, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,309 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $39.51. This figure is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $50.81, indicating a regional disparity that may impact local professionals. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this rate translates into a viable but modest income, particularly aligned with employment in clinical settings like hospitals, private practices, or community health centers. The hourly rate varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $32.41, while seasoned professionals can achieve earnings up to $66.46 per hour, as per the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2026.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.41 | $259.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.86 | $278.84 |
| Median (P50) | $39.51 | $316.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.37 | $394.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.46 | $531.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tuscaloosa
Based on $39.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.51/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tuscaloosa, AL can expect to earn approximately $82,181 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,412. With a cost-of-living index of 87.72 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tuscaloosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tuscaloosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,580.40 | $6,848 | $82,181 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $948.24 | $4,109 | $49,309 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $632.16 | $2,739 | $32,872 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Tuscaloosa) | $39.51 |
| 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 Tuscaloosa, AL earn a median of $82,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.25% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 11.50% below the Alabama state average of $92,850.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.51/hr = $49,309/year (purchasing power: $56,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,181/year (purchasing power: $93,683).
CoL index: 87.722 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$30.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.51/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+38.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tuscaloosa (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Tuscaloosa grew 25.2% from $30.04/hr (2021) to $37.60/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.52/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 Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
Exploring the financial landscape for clinical and counseling psychologists, part-time professionals working 24 hours a week in Tuscaloosa can expect to take home approximately $49,000 annually, which provides a decent livelihood but pales in comparison to full-time earnings. Per diem work offers a tempting alternative; locum tenens or agency positions often see rates rise by 10-25% over standard staff pay, translating into a more attractive take-home for those on a flexible schedule. Hourly pay does vary based on the type of employer. For instance, professionals in private practices might earn less than those in large healthcare systems or specialty clinics that offer comprehensive benefits. Such benefits can be a critical trade-off; while some may opt for higher hourly rates with no health coverage, others prioritize the security of employer-sponsored plans. For those negotiating offers, understanding the local market dynamics can provide leverage and help secure more favorable terms.
More salary data for Tuscaloosa, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Tuscaloosa in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Tuscaloosa?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Tuscaloosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Tuscaloosa?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Tuscaloosa?
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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 Tuscaloosa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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