Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Independence, MO: $105,212 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Independence, MO earns a median $105,212/year (≈ $50.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $117,424 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Independence, MO can anticipate a median annual salary of $105,212, which is slightly below the national median of $105,689. With salaries ranging from $61,023 at the 10th percentile to $163,079 at the 90th percentile, there's substantial variation in compensation based on experience, expertise, and employer type. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, reflects not only the potential earnings for professionals in the area but also the cost-of-living adjustments, particularly relevant in a city where the cost of living index is 89.6, suggesting lower living expenses compared to the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of salaries here may be advantageous for local professionals.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($79,390) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,023 | $29.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,483 | $37.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,212 | $50.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,672 | $64.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,079 | $78.40 |
Median Salary Position
0.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,056 (2026 est.). At $105,212, the local median is 0.45% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Independence median: $105,212/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $103,048 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -0.45% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Independence, MO earn a median of $105,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.45% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $103,048.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $105,212 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $117,424 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$82,138
2025 BLS Actual
$100,126
2026 Current Est.
$105,212
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Independence (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $82,138 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,723 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,666 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,595 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,126 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,212 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,557 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $82,138 (2021) to $100,126 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,557 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,419 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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) | $61,023 – $77,483 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,483 – $105,212 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,212 – $134,672 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,672 – $163,079 |
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 Independence
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Independence is relatively focused, with around 30 professionals currently employed in this sector. This number indicates a competitive yet stable environment, where opportunities may arise based on the demand from local employers. The cost of living index further enhances the attractiveness of these positions since salaries can stretch further in a less expensive market. Among potential employers, large healthcare organizations and community health centers typically offer the highest salaries. Factors such as specialty credentials, shift differentials, and benefits can significantly influence pay disparities within the field. For those looking to enhance their compensation, pursuing additional certifications or specializing in high-demand areas can be effective strategies. Understanding the specific employment landscape in Independence will aid in maximizing professional opportunities and salary negotiations.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Independence, MO in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Independence?
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How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in Independence?
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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 $100,126 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Independence 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 Independence 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