Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Thornton, CO: $112,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Thornton, CO earns a median $112,716/year (≈ $54.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Thornton's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $107,349 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Thornton, Colorado, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $112,716, surpassing the national median of $105,689 by approximately 6.65%. These figures reflect a broad salary range from $65,376 at the 10th percentile to $174,710 at the 90th percentile, indicating diverse earning potentials within the local market. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and adjusts for regional cost variances. Such compensation trends suggest that Thornton is becoming an increasingly attractive location for professionals in the field, offering above-average salaries in a dynamic healthcare landscape.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($126,260) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,376 | $31.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,155 | $39.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,716 | $54.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $144,277 | $69.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,710 | $83.99 |
Median Salary Position
6.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Thornton
In Thornton, CO, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $109,334 (2026 est.). At $112,716, the local median is 6.65% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Thornton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Thornton Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Thornton median: $112,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Thornton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $110,941 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +6.65% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Thornton, CO earn a median of $112,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.65% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $110,941.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Thornton has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Thornton, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,716 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,349 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$87,996
2025 BLS Actual
$107,267
2026 Current Est.
$112,716
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Thornton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $87,996 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,489 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,654 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,267 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,442 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Thornton metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $87,996 (2021) to $107,267 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,446 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Thornton 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) | $65,376 – $81,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,155 – $112,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,716 – $144,277 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $144,277 – $174,710 |
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 Thornton
With 34 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in Thornton, the local job market is steady, though the cost of living, with an index of 105, does present some challenges for take-home purchasing power. Employers, including private practices and large healthcare organizations, tend to provide the highest salaries. The significant pay discrepancies within the field can be attributed to factors such as employer size, specialty credentials, and shift differentials. To maximize earnings, psychologists in Thornton should consider pursuing additional certifications that cater to high-demand specialties and exploring opportunities in larger healthcare facilities, where comprehensive benefits and salaries may be more competitive. Understanding these nuances in the clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Thornton CO will better equip professionals to make informed career choices amid changing market conditions.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
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 $107,267 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Thornton 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 Thornton 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