Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $88,358 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Pinehurst, NC earns a median $88,358/year (≈ $42.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Pinehurst's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $94,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $88,358 for 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Pinehurst, NC, operate in a market characterized by a low employment count of just four professionals. This limited workforce suggests a less saturated market, which may present opportunities for job seekers in the area. Salary estimates indicate a range from $53,178 at the 10th percentile to $136,954 at the 90th percentile, revealing a significant variance based on experience and specialization. The figures provided here have been adjusted for regional cost of living, reflecting a context where the local economy offers a somewhat competitive compensation package compared to national standards.
About the Pinehurst Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,178 | $25.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,108 | $32.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,358 | $42.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,098 | $54.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,954 | $65.84 |
Median Salary Position
16.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,776 (2026 est.). At $88,358, the local median is 16.4% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pinehurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pinehurst Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Pinehurst median: $88,358/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pinehurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,316 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -16.40% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $88,358 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.40% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 7.30% below the North Carolina state average of $95,316.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pinehurst has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pinehurst, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $88,358 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,400 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$68,979
2025 BLS Actual
$84,086
2026 Current Est.
$88,358
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Pinehurst (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $68,979 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,350 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,341 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,279 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,358 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,846 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pinehurst metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $68,979 (2021) to $84,086 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,846 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,867 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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) | $53,178 – $67,108 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,108 – $88,358 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,358 – $113,098 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,098 – $136,954 |
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 Pinehurst
The local job market for clinical and counseling psychologists faces unique dynamics, with Pinehurst's cost-of-living index at 93.6, indicating that living expenses are below the national average. This affordability can translate into a higher take-home pay for psychologists compared to more costly areas. Among local employers, private practices and large healthcare organizations often provide the most competitive pay, with benefits that may further enhance overall compensation. Factors contributing to the income spread include variations in employer size, the significance of specialty credentials, and potential shift differentials. To maximize earnings in Pinehurst, professionals should consider expanding their qualifications or pursuing positions in larger institutions, as these strategies can enhance their market value and lead to improved clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Pinehurst, NC.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Pinehurst?
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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 $84,086 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst 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