Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Baltimore, MD: $127,510 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Baltimore, MD earns a median $127,510/year (≈ $61.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $116,661 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Baltimore is projected to reach a median of $127,510, reflecting a purchasing power that outpaces the national median of $105,689 by approximately 20.65%. The salary range for these professionals in the city spans from $73,956 at the 10th percentile to $197,641 at the 90th percentile, providing a wide benchmark for potential earnings. This estimate is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and adjusted for the regional cost of living. Given Baltimore's cost of living index of 109.3, which indicates higher-than-average living expenses, the compensation appears tailored to meet the economic realities faced by local psychologists.
About the Baltimore Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($105,350) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,956 | $35.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,284 | $45.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,510 | $61.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $163,213 | $78.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,641 | $95.02 |
Median Salary Position
20.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $123,685 (2026 est.). At $127,510, the local median is 20.65% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Baltimore Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $127,510/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $115,499 | +10.40% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +20.65% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $127,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.65% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 10.40% above the Maryland state average of $115,499.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,510 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,661 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$79,760
2025 BLS Actual
$121,346
2026 Current Est.
$127,510
2021–2027 Growth
+68.0%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Baltimore (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $79,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,346 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,510 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,988 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 52.1% from $79,760 (2021) to $121,346 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,988 by 2027 — a total increase of $54,228 (67.99%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $73,956 – $94,284 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,284 – $127,510 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,510 – $163,213 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $163,213 – $197,641 |
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 Baltimore
With 105 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in Baltimore, the job market for these professionals shows steady demand. However, the cost of living impacts take-home earnings, making it crucial for psychologists to seek competitive pay. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often offer the highest salaries, driven by varied factors including employer size, benefits, and specialty credentials. Shifts in work hours or roles that require advanced certifications can also significantly influence salary disparities. To maximize earning potential, it is advisable that candidates negotiate effectively, consider positions with more substantial health teams, and maintain up-to-date licensure and specialized training relevant to the Baltimore MD market.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Baltimore?
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Related Pages
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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 $121,346 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Baltimore 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 Baltimore 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