Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $47.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Missoula, MT runs $47.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,429 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,656 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Missoula, Montana, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $47.80. This rate is slightly below the national median of $50.81, which can inform expectations for both full-time and part-time roles. For psychologists working part-time, typically around three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a significant impact on annual earnings, especially when considering the variations in patient load and session frequency. The hourly pay range varies widely as well, from an entry-level rate of $27.73 to $74.09 for top earners, reflecting the disparities often seen within this profession depending on experience, setting, and demand for services.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($88,710) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.73 | $221.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.30 | $282.37 |
| Median (P50) | $47.80 | $382.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.19 | $489.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.09 | $592.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $47.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.80/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $99,426 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,361. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,912.04 | $8,285 | $99,426 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,147.22 | $4,971 | $59,656 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $764.81 | $3,314 | $39,770 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Missoula) | $47.80 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $99,429 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $101,665.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.80/hr = $59,656/year (purchasing power: $62,012).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,426/year (purchasing power: $103,353).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$37.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.80/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Missoula (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Missoula grew 21.9% from $37.32/hr (2021) to $45.49/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.23/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
Part-time clinical and counseling psychologists typically focus on about 24 hours a week, which may yield an annual income of approximately $59,904, a challenging figure compared to their full-time counterparts earning a more substantial salary throughout the year. Interestingly, per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Missoula frequently runs 10-25% higher than standard staff rates, attracting those who prefer gig work or locum tenens opportunities. Hourly rates can also differ markedly based on the type of employment, such as private practices, larger healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Consequently, some psychologists might opt for positions that offer lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which is a crucial consideration when weighing job offers. For those negotiating their hourly rate, expressing flexibility regarding hours or taking on additional responsibilities could enhance earning potential and secure a better compensation package.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Missoula in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Missoula?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Missoula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Missoula?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Missoula?
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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 Missoula. 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 Missoula 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