Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Berkeley, CA: $123,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Berkeley, CA earns a median $123,002/year (≈ $59.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Berkeley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $108,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Berkeley, California, the compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists is quite competitive, with a projected median annual salary of $123,002 for 2026. This figure reflects a favorable market for professionals in the field, particularly when compared to the national median salary of $105,689, indicating a 16.38% higher earning potential locally. The salary range varies significantly across the profession, spanning from $71,341 for the lowest ten percent to $190,654 for the upper echelon, implying diverse opportunities based on experience and specialization. Based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, these figures provide insight into the financial outlook and can influence how candidates approach job offers and negotiations in the Berkeley area.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,341 | $34.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,817 | $43.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,002 | $59.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,443 | $75.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,654 | $91.66 |
Median Salary Position
16.38% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Berkeley
In Berkeley, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,313 (2026 est.). At $123,002, the local median is 16.38% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Berkeley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Berkeley Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Berkeley median: $123,002/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Berkeley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,512 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +16.38% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Berkeley, CA earn a median of $123,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.38% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.40% above the California state average of $122,512.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Berkeley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Berkeley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $123,002 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,755 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$96,026
2025 BLS Actual
$117,056
2026 Current Est.
$123,002
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Berkeley (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $96,026 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,894 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,842 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,056 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,251 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Berkeley metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $96,026 (2021) to $117,056 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,251 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,225 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Berkeley 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) | $71,341 – $90,817 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,817 – $123,002 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,002 – $157,443 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,443 – $190,654 |
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 Berkeley
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Berkeley consists of 23 professionals, highlighting a niche yet potentially saturated employment landscape. With a cost of living index at 113.1, the elevated living expenses in Berkeley may strain take-home purchasing power for clients. Employers that typically offer higher salaries include large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which often provide comprehensive benefits packages that can enhance overall compensation. Factors influencing pay disparities include specialty credentials, experience levels, and the type of shifts worked. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications and developing expertise in high-demand therapeutic areas while actively engaging in networking opportunities to connect with lucrative employers within the community.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Berkeley, CA in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Berkeley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Berkeley?
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Related Pages
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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 $117,056 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Berkeley 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
Salary data for Berkeley 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