Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Independence, MO: $50.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Independence, MO runs $50.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Missouri, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly rate is projected to be $50.59 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $50.81. This rate offers promising earning potential for part-time practitioners and per-diem workers who often operate within clinical settings such as hospitals, private practices, and community mental health centers. With an hourly range stretching from $29.34 at the lower end to $78.40 for top earners, entry-level professionals can expect to find opportunities that cater to a variety of client needs while seasoned psychologists may command higher rates based on their expertise and client base. It's important to highlight that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a broad understanding of the sector's compensation dynamics.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($79,390) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.34 | $234.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.25 | $298.01 |
| Median (P50) | $50.59 | $404.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.75 | $518.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78.40 | $627.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $50.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.59/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, MO can expect to earn approximately $105,218 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,703. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,023.42 | $8,768 | $105,218 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,214.05 | $5,261 | $63,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.37 | $3,507 | $42,087 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Independence) | $50.59 |
| 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 Independence, MO earn a median of $105,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.45% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $103,048.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.59/hr = $63,131/year (purchasing power: $70,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,218/year (purchasing power: $117,431).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$39.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.59/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Independence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Independence grew 21.9% from $39.49/hr (2021) to $48.14/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.16/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 Independence 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 Independence
Lower part-time schedules, such as three days a week (approximately 24 hours), yield an annual take-home income that differs significantly when compared to a full-time trajectory. Practicing in a per-diem capacity, many clinical and counseling psychologists can earn a premium—typically 10-25% over standard staff pay—allowing for flexibility and sometimes greater financial reward. However, earnings can fluctuate across various employer types in Independence, including private practices, community health centers, and larger healthcare organizations, each offering distinct compensation structures. Some psychologists may choose to trade off higher hourly wages for stable benefits, including health insurance, as they navigate their career paths. When negotiating hourly contracts, emphasizing your value while researching local market rates can enhance your leverage, ensuring that you secure a position that aligns with your financial and professional goals in MO.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Independence?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Independence?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
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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 Independence. 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 Independence 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