Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Charlotte, NC: $123,122 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Charlotte, NC earns a median $123,122/year (≈ $59.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Charlotte's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.3), that paycheck buys what $126,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 29.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Charlotte, NC, is projected to reach a median of $123,122 in 2026, outpacing the national median by 16.49%. Professionals in this field can expect a salary range from $54,579 at the lower end to as high as $269,740 at the upper end, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local job market. This data, derived from BLS OEWS surveys, highlights Charlotte's favorable earning potential for clinical and counseling psychologists, particularly when compared to the average salaries across North Carolina, which are generally lower. The strong demand for mental health services in the area continues to drive competitive compensation packages.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,579 | $26.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,609 | $41.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $123,122 | $59.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $234,959 | $112.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $269,740 | $129.68 |
Median Salary Position
16.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charlotte
In Charlotte, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $215,161 (2026 est.). At $123,122, the local median is 16.49% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charlotte: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Charlotte Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Charlotte median: $123,122/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charlotte Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,296 | +29.20% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +16.49% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Charlotte, NC earn a median of $123,122 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.49% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 29.20% above the North Carolina state average of $95,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charlotte has a cost of living 2.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charlotte, NC has a cost-of-living index of 97.348 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $123,122 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $126,476 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.72% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$94,180
2025 BLS Actual
$117,170
2026 Current Est.
$123,122
2021–2027 Growth
+37.4%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Charlotte (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $94,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,122 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,377 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charlotte metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 24.4% from $94,180 (2021) to $117,170 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,377 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,197 (37.37%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charlotte 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) | $54,579 – $85,609 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,609 – $123,122 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $123,122 – $234,959 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $234,959 – $269,740 |
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 Charlotte
In Charlotte, approximately 720 clinical and counseling psychologists are currently employed, indicating a stable local job market that supports numerous practitioners. The cost of living index at 97.348 suggests that while housing and basic necessities are relatively affordable compared to the national average, it impacts take-home purchasing power. Among different types of employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest pay, while private practices and community health centers may provide varying benefits structures that affect overall compensation. Factors contributing to the salary range include specialties, certifications, and experience, making it essential for psychologists to consider enhancing their qualifications and networking with larger institutions to maximize their earnings in the Charlotte market. Aspiring professionals should also stay informed about shifts in demand for specific psychological services to strategically position themselves for higher-paying opportunities.
More salary data for Charlotte, NC:
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 $117,170 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Charlotte 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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