Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Stockton, CA: $136,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Stockton, CA earns a median $136,457/year (≈ $65.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Stockton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.1), that paycheck buys what $129,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.4% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Stockton, California, clinical and counseling psychologists can expect a median annual salary of $136,457, which exceeds the national median figure by 29.11%. The salary range for professionals in this field extends from $70,446 at the 10th percentile to $194,913 at the 90th percentile. This salary data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys and reflects the competitive environment for mental health professionals in the region. The higher median in Stockton compared to other areas showcases opportunities within the local market, which may be particularly appealing for those considering a career or a move to this city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,446 | $33.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,427 | $42.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,457 | $65.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $170,860 | $82.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,913 | $93.71 |
Median Salary Position
29.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockton
In Stockton, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $124,467 (2026 est.). At $136,457, the local median is 29.11% above the national median of $105,689.
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At 40 hours/week in Stockton: You'd be above the median
How Stockton Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Stockton median: $136,457/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stockton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,493 | +11.40% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +29.11% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Stockton, CA earn a median of $136,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.11% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 11.40% above the California state average of $122,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stockton has a cost of living 5.09% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stockton, CA has a cost-of-living index of 105.089 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,457 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $129,849 — a 4.84% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$128,220
2025 BLS Actual
$129,860
2026 Current Est.
$136,457
2021–2027 Growth
+11.8%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Stockton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $128,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $133,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,070 | Actual |
| 2024 | $118,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,389 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stockton metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 1.3% from $128,220 (2021) to $129,860 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,389 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,169 (11.83%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockton 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) | $70,446 – $87,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,427 – $136,457 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,457 – $170,860 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $170,860 – $194,913 |
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 Stockton
The local job market for clinical and counseling psychologists is solid, with 160 professionals currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index at 105.089 indicates that expenses in Stockton are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations tend to pay the most, while private practices and community health centers vary significantly in their compensation structures due to factors like shift differentials and specialty credentials. To maximize pay in Stockton, professionals should consider pursuing advanced certifications and seeking positions in larger institutions that often provide better benefits and salary packages. Understanding which employers prioritize these factors can help navigate salary negotiations effectively in this market.
More salary data for Stockton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Stockton?
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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 $129,860 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Stockton 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, 5-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