Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Hays, KS: $89,950 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Hays, KS earns a median $89,950/year (≈ $43.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Hays's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $98,955 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hays, Kansas, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in 2026 stands at $89,950. This figure is notably below the national average, which is $105,689, reflecting a gap that may influence job prospects and competitiveness in the local market. Salaries here range from $55,960 at the 10th percentile to as high as $139,422 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating a healthy disparity in earnings potential based on experience and qualifications. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost of living, which plays a significant role in determining compensation levels. Despite the lower average salary compared to the national benchmark, Hays's job market has room for growth, evidenced by an anticipated increase of 5.08% annually over the next five years.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($84,570) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,960 | $26.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,431 | $33.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,950 | $43.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,135 | $55.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,422 | $67.03 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hays
In Hays, KS, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,462 (2026 est.). At $89,950, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hays: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hays Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Hays median: $89,950/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hays Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $96,100 | -6.40% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -14.89% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Hays, KS earn a median of $89,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $96,100.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hays has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hays, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $89,950 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $98,955 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$70,222
2025 BLS Actual
$85,601
2026 Current Est.
$89,950
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Hays (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $70,222 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,788 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,601 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,950 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,519 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hays metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $70,222 (2021) to $85,601 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,519 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,297 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hays 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) | $55,960 – $69,431 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,431 – $89,950 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,950 – $115,135 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,135 – $139,422 |
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 Hays
The local job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Hays consists of only five professionals, indicating a small but potentially close-knit community. With a cost of living index of 90.9, the economic realities for residents mean that salaries might stretch further than in higher-cost areas, allowing relatively good purchasing power. Among employers, large healthcare organizations and community health centers often provide more competitive salaries compared to private practices and specialty clinics. Factors contributing to pay variation include shift differentials, specialty credentials, employer size, and benefits structures that enhance overall compensation. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Hays, gaining additional certifications and seeking higher-level roles within larger institutions could be effective strategies, ensuring a stronger financial foothold in this evolving market.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
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 $85,601 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Hays 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 Hays 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