Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $116,362 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $116,362/year (≈ $55.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $106,461 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Gaithersburg is projected to reach a median of $116,362, surpassing the national average of $105,689 by roughly 10.10%. The salary range for this profession in the area varies significantly, with the lowest 10th percentile earning about $67,490 and the highest 90th percentile approximately $180,361. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, revealing a competitive salary landscape in Gaithersburg. With a local employment base of 14 clinical and counseling psychologists, the job market in this Maryland city is ripe for qualified professionals seeking to build their careers.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($105,350) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,490 | $32.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,781 | $40.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $116,362 | $55.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,944 | $71.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,361 | $86.71 |
Median Salary Position
10.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,871 (2026 est.). At $116,362, the local median is 10.1% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gaithersburg Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $116,362/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $115,554 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +10.10% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $116,362 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $115,554.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $116,362 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,461 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$90,842
2025 BLS Actual
$110,737
2026 Current Est.
$116,362
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Gaithersburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $90,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,805 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,989 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,737 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $116,362 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,274 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $90,842 (2021) to $110,737 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $122,274 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,432 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $67,490 – $83,781 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,781 – $116,362 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $116,362 – $148,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,944 – $180,361 |
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 Gaithersburg
Given the cost of living index in Gaithersburg sits at 109.3, psychologists must consider how much of their earnings effectively contribute to their purchasing power. Those employed by large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics typically report higher earnings compared to counterparts in private practice or community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and the overall size of the employer play a significant role in determining pay levels. For those eager to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Gaithersburg, developing specialized skills or certifications can be advantageous, along with exploring opportunities within larger institutional settings that may offer more comprehensive benefits and competitive salaries.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Gaithersburg, MD in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Gaithersburg?
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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 $110,737 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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