Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Chicago, IL: $89,728 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Chicago, IL earns a median $89,728/year (≈ $43.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $86,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Chicago, Illinois, is $89,728, which falls below the national average of $105,689. This reflects a notable decrease in purchasing power when adjusted for the local cost of living index, which stands at 103.595. Salaries in the region vary widely, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $32,785 and the highest 90% making around $179,056. The data, derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the diverse salary landscape in Chicago, influenced by the demand for mental health services and varying employer types throughout the city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,785 | $15.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,375 | $27.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,728 | $43.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $135,007 | $64.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,056 | $86.08 |
Median Salary Position
15.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $146,271 (2026 est.). At $89,728, the local median is 15.1% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicago Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Chicago median: $89,728/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $84,094 | +6.70% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -15.10% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $89,728 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.10% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 6.70% above the Illinois state average of $84,094.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,728 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,614 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$81,830
2025 BLS Actual
$85,390
2026 Current Est.
$89,728
2021–2027 Growth
+15.2%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Chicago (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $81,830 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,900 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,530 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,728 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,286 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 4.4% from $81,830 (2021) to $85,390 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,456 (15.22%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $32,785 – $56,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,375 – $89,728 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,728 – $135,007 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $135,007 – $179,056 |
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 Chicago
Chicago's job market for clinical and counseling psychologists includes approximately 5,030 professionals, indicating a stable demand for psychological services. However, the cost of living presents challenges for take-home purchasing power, with the index suggesting higher expenses than the national average. While private practices typically offer lower salaries compared to large healthcare organizations, specialists in community health centers and private clinics may command higher compensation rates, particularly those with advanced credentials or experience. Factors such as shifts in work hours, the complexity of services provided, and robust benefits packages can significantly contribute to the variation in earnings. To maximize pay in Chicago, professionals should consider aligning themselves with larger healthcare institutions or developing niche specialties that are in high demand, thus enhancing their marketability and potential salary growth.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
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 $85,390 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Chicago 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