Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Fresno, CA: $65.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Fresno, CA runs $65.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,679 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Fresno's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.2, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,412 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Fresno offers competitive compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, with an impressive median hourly rate of $65.23. This figure is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $50.81, reflecting the demand for mental health professionals in the region. For those considering part-time or per-diem work in Fresno's clinical settings, this median can translate into substantial weekly income. On a part-time schedule of three days per week, a psychologist could earn a reliable income while enjoying greater work-life balance. The hourly range for this profession in Fresno starts at $27.35 for entry-level positions and can reach as high as $82.03 for experienced professionals, providing a clear pathway for career advancement based on skill and experience. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.35 | $218.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.32 | $314.57 |
| Median (P50) | $65.23 | $521.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.27 | $626.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82.03 | $656.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fresno
Based on $65.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.23/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fresno, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,280. With a cost-of-living index of 102.16 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fresno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fresno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,609.35 | $11,307 | $135,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,565.61 | $6,784 | $81,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.74 | $4,523 | $54,274 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Fresno) | $65.23 |
| 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 Fresno, CA earn a median of $135,679 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.38% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 10.70% above the California state average of $122,565.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.23/hr = $81,412/year (purchasing power: $79,692).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,686/year (purchasing power: $132,820).
CoL index: 102.158 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$51.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.23/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Fresno (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Fresno grew 21.5% from $51.09/hr (2021) to $62.08/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.55/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 Fresno 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 Fresno
When examining real earnings, part-time clinical and counseling psychologists in Fresno working for 24 hours a week could expect to take home an annual income of approximately $81,794, which is comparable to maintaining a full-time position. However, those choosing per-diem work may discover that such arrangements often come with a pay premium—typically 10-25% above the standard hourly rate. This variability can significantly affect overall earnings, especially when considering different types of employers. Pay rates can differ widely among private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, with many professionals weighing the benefits of steady employment against the potential for higher hourly rates without fringe benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Fresno, it's essential to consider both the immediate financial benefits and long-term career stability, as many psychologists may opt for lower-paying permanent positions that offer health insurance and a consistent client base.
More salary data for Fresno, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Fresno in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Fresno?
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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 Fresno. 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