Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Missoula, MT: $99,429 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Missoula, MT earns a median $99,429/year (≈ $47.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Missoula's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $103,357 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Missoula, Montana, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual salary of $99,429, positioning themselves slightly below the national average of $105,689 for 2026. This payout reflects a competitive range, spanning from $57,669 at the 10th percentile to $154,115 at the 90th percentile. Notably, there are currently 16 professionals in this field within the region, indicating a moderate level of market saturation. The local salary estimates draw upon 2025 BLS state-level data and account for regional price differences, which factor into the relatively lower average compared to national figures. The job market is ripe for individuals looking to enter or advance in the area of clinical and counseling psychology.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($88,710) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,669 | $27.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,427 | $35.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,429 | $47.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,269 | $61.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,115 | $74.09 |
Median Salary Position
5.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Missoula
In Missoula, MT, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,446 (2026 est.). At $99,429, the local median is 5.92% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Missoula: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Missoula Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Missoula median: $99,429/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Missoula Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $101,665 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -5.92% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Missoula, MT earn a median of $99,429 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $101,665.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Missoula has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Missoula, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $99,429 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,357 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$77,622
2025 BLS Actual
$94,622
2026 Current Est.
$99,429
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Missoula (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $77,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,791 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,750 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,455 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,622 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,429 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,480 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Missoula metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $77,622 (2021) to $94,622 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,480 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,858 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula 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) | $57,669 – $73,427 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,427 – $99,429 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,429 – $127,269 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,269 – $154,115 |
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 Missoula
Missoula's job market reveals both opportunities and challenges for clinical and counseling psychologists. With 16 professionals currently employed in this specialization, job availability remains stable; however, demand can influence compensation trends. The cost of living index in Missoula stands at 96.2, indicating a lower-than-average expense framework that can enhance take-home purchasing power despite salaries being marginally below the national benchmark. Employers like large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer higher compensation, as they often provide additional benefits and may require specialized credentials. To maximize pay in Missoula, psychologists should consider targeting these larger institutions or pursuing necessary certifications that can justify premium salaries. Understanding the nuances of employer types and their compensation structures can aid in negotiating better terms, ultimately impacting overall career success in this market.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
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 $94,622 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Missoula 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 Missoula 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