Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $45.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Kernersville, NC runs $45.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,455 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Psychologists in Kernersville, NC, can expect a median hourly pay of $45.42, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.81. This difference in pay can impact those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, where earning potential fluctuates based on hours worked. For instance, a part-time clinical and counseling psychologist averaging three days a week could earn around $56,344 annually, making it crucial to evaluate the impact of hourly rates on lifestyle and financial goals. Within Kernersville, hourly pay varies, with entry-level positions starting at $26.34 and top earners reaching up to $70.38, reflecting the range of experience and qualifications in the field. It’s essential for professionals to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates and are indicative of the market rather than guarantees.
About the Kernersville 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) | $26.34 | $210.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.14 | $265.14 |
| Median (P50) | $45.42 | $363.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.13 | $465.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.38 | $563.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $45.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.42/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $94,464 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,499. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,816.62 | $7,872 | $94,464 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,089.97 | $4,723 | $56,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.65 | $3,149 | $37,786 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Kernersville) | $45.42 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $94,455 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.63% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $95,313.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.42/hr = $56,679/year (purchasing power: $60,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,464/year (purchasing power: $100,924).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$35.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.42/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Kernersville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Kernersville grew 21.9% from $35.46/hr (2021) to $43.22/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.72/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
The earning potential for those in part-time roles can be strategically advantageous, offering flexibility while still allowing a decent income. A clinical and counseling psychologist working 24 hours a week may find their annual income to be more than manageable, yet it's essential to consider how per diem rates can offer increased pay—often 10-25% higher than standard staff rates in Kernersville. As the pay ranges differ based on employer type, psychologists might earn varying hourly rates depending on whether they are in private practice, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. While some opt for positions with lower hourly rates for the health insurance and stability they provide, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay in Kernersville, emphasizing relevant experience and being aware of the specific needs of different employer types can go a long way in securing better compensation.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Kernersville in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Kernersville?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Kernersville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Kernersville?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Kernersville?
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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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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