Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Auburn, AL: $86,313 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Auburn, AL earns a median $86,313/year (≈ $41.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Auburn's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $98,158 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the Alabama state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With a median annual salary of $86,313, clinical and counseling psychologists in Auburn, AL, face a significant earnings gap when compared with the national median of $105,689. The projected salary range for this profession in Auburn extends from $38,743 at the 10th percentile to $158,040 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the varying levels of compensation depending on experience, specialization, and employer type. This salary data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, providing a clear snapshot of the earning potential in this market. Given the relatively modest number of professionals employed in this specialty—40 in total—those entering the field in Auburn may find unique opportunities and challenges that can influence their compensation trajectories.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,743 | $18.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,193 | $33.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,313 | $41.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,078 | $53.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $158,040 | $75.98 |
Median Salary Position
18.33% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Auburn
In Auburn, AL, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,297 (2026 est.). At $86,313, the local median is 18.33% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Auburn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Auburn Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Auburn median: $86,313/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Auburn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $92,909 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -18.33% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Auburn, AL earn a median of $86,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.33% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 7.10% below the Alabama state average of $92,909.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Auburn has a cost of living 12.07% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Auburn, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.933 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $86,313 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,158 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.72% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$67,383
2025 BLS Actual
$82,140
2026 Current Est.
$86,313
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Auburn (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $67,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,606 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,481 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,313 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,697 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Auburn metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $67,383 (2021) to $82,140 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,697 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,314 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $38,743 – $70,193 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,193 – $86,313 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,313 – $112,078 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,078 – $158,040 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Auburn
In terms of local job market dynamics, the presence of only 40 clinical and counseling psychologists suggests that competition may be limited, potentially benefiting those seeking positions in Auburn. The cost of living index for the area stands at 87.933, indicating that expenses are below the national average, which could enhance take-home purchasing power for practitioners. Among the key employers are private practices and larger healthcare organizations, which typically offer more competitive salaries than community health centers. The variation in pay within Auburn can be attributed to factors such as employer size, credential requirements, and specializations in demand. As clinical and counseling psychologists look to maximize their pay, strategies aimed at acquiring advanced credentials or seeking positions in larger organizations may provide an edge in this specific market.
More salary data for Auburn, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,140 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Auburn metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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