Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Philadelphia, PA: $118,415 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Philadelphia, PA earns a median $118,415/year (≈ $56.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Philadelphia's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $115,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 25.6% above the Pennsylvania state average.
Official BLS data · View source
With approximately 1,920 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in Philadelphia, the market shows significant potential for professionals entering this field. The 2026 median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in the city is projected at $118,415, which is about 12.04% above the national median of $105,689. Salaries for these positions range widely, from $67,157 at the lower end to $214,195 for those at the upper echelon. This salary information is drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrating a promising outlook for compensation in the area as demand and job growth continue to rise.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,157 | $32.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,048 | $38.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,415 | $56.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,186 | $76.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $214,195 | $102.98 |
Median Salary Position
12.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, PA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $147,038 (2026 est.). At $118,415, the local median is 12.04% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Philadelphia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Philadelphia Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Philadelphia median: $118,415/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Philadelphia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Average | $94,279 | +25.60% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +12.04% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Philadelphia, PA earn a median of $118,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.04% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 25.60% above the Pennsylvania state average of $94,279.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Philadelphia has a cost of living 2.55% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Philadelphia, PA has a cost-of-living index of 102.554 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $118,415 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,466 — a 2.49% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$79,430
2025 BLS Actual
$112,690
2026 Current Est.
$118,415
2021–2027 Growth
+56.7%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Philadelphia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $79,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,690 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,415 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,430 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Philadelphia metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 41.9% from $79,430 (2021) to $112,690 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,430 by 2027 — a total increase of $45,000 (56.65%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Philadelphia 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) | $67,157 – $81,048 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,048 – $118,415 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,415 – $159,186 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,186 – $214,195 |
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 Philadelphia
The cost of living in Philadelphia, with an index of 102.554, adds a layer of complexity to the take-home purchasing power of clinical and counseling psychologists. While community health centers and specialty clinics may offer moderate salaries, private practices and large healthcare organizations tend to lead in pay, providing a competitive edge for those with specialized credentials or significant experience. The variance in compensation can also be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, the size of the employer, and the benefits packages available. For professionals seeking to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Philadelphia, pursuing additional certifications, networking with established practitioners, and considering positions in larger organizations can significantly enhance earning potential in this vibrant urban market.
More salary data for Philadelphia, PA:
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 $112,690 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Philadelphia 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