Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Burlington, NC: $44.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Burlington, NC runs $44.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,397 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Burlington, North Carolina, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay stands at a median of $44.90. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $50.81, highlighting a notable regional discrepancy. For those considering part-time opportunities or per-diem work, the average rates provide a solid foundation for income but may vary based on client load and setting. Entry-level psychologists might earn around $26.04 per hour, while seasoned professionals could see rates as high as $69.59, underscoring the potential for growth in this field. These hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the unique economic factors influencing pay in Burlington.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.04 | $208.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.26 | $266.06 |
| Median (P50) | $44.90 | $359.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.48 | $459.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.59 | $556.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Burlington
Based on $44.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.90/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Burlington, NC can expect to earn approximately $93,393 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,881. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,796.03 | $7,783 | $93,393 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,077.62 | $4,670 | $56,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $718.41 | $3,113 | $37,357 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Burlington) | $44.90 |
| 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 Burlington, NC earn a median of $93,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.63% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $95,303.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.90/hr = $56,036/year (purchasing power: $59,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,393/year (purchasing power: $99,779).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$35.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.90/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington grew 21.9% from $35.05/hr (2021) to $42.73/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.18/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 Burlington 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 Burlington
Evaluating part-time earnings, a clinical and counseling psychologist working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) might take home about $57,059 annually, a fraction of what a full-time counterpart would earn. Per-diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Burlington is typically at a premium, with rates running 10-25% higher than standard salaries for agency positions, which might appeal to those seeking flexibility. Furthermore, hourly rates can differ significantly among various employer types in the region—private practices tend to offer lower rates compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics that might provide more competitive compensation packages. This disparity often presents a trade-off: while some positions offer higher hourly wages without benefits, others provide essential health insurance and paid time off, which can appeal to those prioritizing job stability. For those negotiating hourly pay, it's advisable to articulate the value of expertise and seek roles that align with both salary expectations and overall work-life balance.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Burlington?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Burlington?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. 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 Burlington 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