Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Santa Clarita, CA: $60.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Santa Clarita, CA runs $60.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,206 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Santa Clarita's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,130 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Santa Clarita, the projected clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is $60.20, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $50.81. This median hourly rate sets a solid foundation for those seeking part-time positions or per-diem work, which is common in clinical settings. For psychologists working three days a week, this pay translates into a stable income, while those on a per-diem basis might expect varied hours but can potentially earn based on demand and experience. Looking at the broader hourly range, entry-level practitioners can earn approximately $34.92, while seasoned professionals reach upwards of $93.30 per hour, providing diverse earning potential reflective of one's expertise and market placement within Santa Clarita.
About the Santa Clarita Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.92 | $279.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.67 | $349.37 |
| Median (P50) | $60.20 | $481.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.06 | $616.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.30 | $746.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Clarita
Based on $60.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.20/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Clarita, CA can expect to earn approximately $125,217 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,240. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Clarita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Clarita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,408.01 | $10,435 | $125,217 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,444.81 | $6,261 | $75,130 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $963.21 | $4,174 | $50,087 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Santa Clarita) | $60.20 |
| 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 Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $125,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.47% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.20% above the California state average of $122,511.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.20/hr = $75,130/year (purchasing power: $66,428).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,217/year (purchasing power: $110,713).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$47.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.20/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Santa Clarita (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Santa Clarita grew 21.9% from $47.00/hr (2021) to $57.29/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.26/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 Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita
Part-time clinical and counseling psychologists working 24 hours a week could realistically expect an annual income around $75,265, which contrasts with a full-time professional making approximately $125,206 yearly. For per-diem roles, the typical pay is expected to be 10-25% more than standard hourly rates, accommodating for the benefits that full-time roles provide, which many part-time workers may sacrifice for flexible scheduling. Hourly rates can vary widely depending on employment types, with private practices often providing lower pay compared to larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Some professionals might choose less pay for consistent health insurance benefits, while others aim for higher hourly earnings, making negotiation skills essential in the Santa Clarita job market. To maximize earning potential, it’s advisable for clinical and counseling psychologists to clearly outline their experience, tailor their approaches during negotiations, and be aware of market specifics to set rates that align with their qualifications and local standards.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Santa Clarita in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Santa Clarita?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Santa Clarita paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Santa Clarita?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Santa Clarita?
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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 Santa Clarita. 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 Santa Clarita 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