Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Wheaton, MD: $115,503 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Wheaton, MD earns a median $115,503/year (≈ $55.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $105,675 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, MD, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries reflect a favorable compensation landscape, primarily adjusted for the local cost of living indexed at 109.3. With a projected median annual salary of $115,503 for 2026, this figure exceeds the national median by approximately 9.29%, highlighting a competitive pay scale within the region. The salary range extends from $66,992 at the 10th percentile to $179,029 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant spread that accommodates varying levels of experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, offering a comprehensive view of what professionals can expect as they pursue careers in this field. The job market in Wheaton suggests a solid demand for these specialists, making it an appealing locale for practitioners.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($105,350) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,992 | $32.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,162 | $39.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,503 | $55.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $147,843 | $71.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,029 | $86.07 |
Median Salary Position
9.29% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, MD, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,037 (2026 est.). At $115,503, the local median is 9.29% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $115,503/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $105,689 | +9.29% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Wheaton, MD earn a median of $115,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% higher than the national median of $105,689.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheaton, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $115,503 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,675 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$90,171
2025 BLS Actual
$109,919
2026 Current Est.
$115,503
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Wheaton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $90,171 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,131 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,919 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,503 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,370 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $90,171 (2021) to $109,919 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,370 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,199 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $66,992 – $83,162 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,162 – $115,503 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,503 – $147,843 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $147,843 – $179,029 |
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 Wheaton
As of 2025 projections for 2026, Wheaton employs 11 clinical and counseling psychologists, reflecting a niche market that offers both opportunity and competition. The relatively high cost of living means that prospective psychologists must consider not just base salary but also potential take-home pay, which can be affected by a variety of factors such as employer size and benefits packages. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest salaries, but private practices and community health centers may provide more holistic benefits, including flexible hours and professional development. Various shifts and specialty credentials can cause substantial variations in remuneration, often favoring those with additional certifications or unique skills. To optimize earnings, new entrants should focus on building a professional network and seeking positions in organizations known for investing in their staff, ensuring they can command the best clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Wheaton, MD.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
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 $109,919 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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