Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $43.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Salem, VA runs $43.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,764 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Salem, Virginia, can expect a median hourly pay of $43.16, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.81. This financial disparity suggests that those working part-time or on a per-diem basis may find the local market less favorable in terms of compensation. For instance, a psychologist working three days a week could potentially earn around $33,200 annually if they maintain a 24-hour work schedule. Hourly rates vary significantly across the spectrum, ranging from $25.03 for entry-level positions up to $66.89 for top earners, indicating that experience and the type of clinical setting largely influence earnings. These numbers are derived from broader annual salary estimations, shedding light on the local employment climate for clinical and counseling psychologists.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.03 | $200.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.98 | $263.88 |
| Median (P50) | $43.16 | $345.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.24 | $441.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.89 | $535.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $43.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.16/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $89,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,788. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,726.25 | $7,480 | $89,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,035.75 | $4,488 | $53,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $690.50 | $2,992 | $35,906 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Salem) | $43.16 |
| 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 Salem, VA earn a median of $89,764 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.07% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $92,540.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.16/hr = $53,859/year (purchasing power: $52,189).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,765/year (purchasing power: $86,982).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$33.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.16/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Salem grew 21.9% from $33.69/hr (2021) to $41.07/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.35/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 Salem 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 Salem
Earning potential for part-time clinical and counseling psychologists can vary significantly, depending on how many hours are worked and the specific employer. A psychologist working a typical 24-hour week, amounting to approximately $33,200 annually, contrasts sharply with full-time professionals who earn a full-time salary. Per diem rates, where psychologists work on an as-needed basis, can command a premium of 10-25% over traditional staff rates, making these opportunities quite attractive for those looking to maximize their earnings, albeit with less job security. Employer types in Salem greatly impact compensation; psychologists in private practices might earn differently than those in large healthcare settings or community health centers. Some may choose lower hourly wages for the added benefits like health insurance, compared to higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively for flexible hours or higher per diem rates is essential for maximizing hourly earnings in Salem, VA, where various compensation structures exist.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Salem?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Salem paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Salem?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Salem?
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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