Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Tustin, CA: $122,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Tustin, CA earns a median $122,420/year (≈ $58.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Tustin's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $108,240 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a current employment count of 18 clinical and counseling psychologists in Tustin, California, the market appears to support a relatively stable workforce in this profession. The 2026 median salary for these professionals is projected at $122,420, which is 15.83% higher than the national median of $105,689. Salaries can vary significantly, with estimates ranging from $71,004 at the lower end to $189,751 for those at the upper end of the spectrum. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, alongside adjustments for regional price parities. This compensation landscape indicates a healthy demand for mental health services in Tustin, suggesting that job seekers may find opportunities across various sectors within the city.
About the Tustin Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,004 | $34.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,142 | $42.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,420 | $58.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,698 | $75.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,751 | $91.23 |
Median Salary Position
15.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tustin
In Tustin, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,747 (2026 est.). At $122,420, the local median is 15.83% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tustin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tustin Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Tustin median: $122,420/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tustin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,543 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +15.83% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tustin, CA earn a median of $122,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.83% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.10% below the California state average of $122,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tustin has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tustin, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,420 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,240 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$95,571
2025 BLS Actual
$116,502
2026 Current Est.
$122,420
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tustin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $95,571 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,398 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,391 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,502 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,639 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tustin metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $95,571 (2021) to $116,502 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,639 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,068 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tustin 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) | $71,004 – $88,142 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,142 – $122,420 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,420 – $156,698 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,698 – $189,751 |
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 Tustin
Tustin's cost-of-living index of 113.1 presents a nuanced picture for those considering a career as a clinical and counseling psychologist in this area. While the salary figures may seem attractive, the higher cost of living can impact take-home purchasing power. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics are typically among the top payers, while private practices may offer more flexible schedules but often at a lower pay scale. The variation in salaries can also be attributed to factors like shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size and benefits structure of the employing organization. For those aiming to maximize their pay in Tustin, pursuing additional certifications, gaining experience in high-demand specialties, and considering larger healthcare employers can lead to more lucrative compensation packages.
More salary data for Tustin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Tustin, CA in 2026?
Is Tustin, CA a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Tustin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Tustin?
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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 $116,502 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Tustin 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 Tustin 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