Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Herndon, VA: $86,723 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Herndon, VA earns a median $86,723/year (≈ $41.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Herndon's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $84,034 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Herndon, Virginia, is $86,723. This figure is comparatively lower than the national median of $105,689, indicating a purchasing power gap influenced by local living costs, which stand at a cost-of-living index of 103.2. Salaries for psychologists in the area can vary significantly, with a range from $53,740 at the 10th percentile to $134,420 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to account for regional economic conditions, providing an insightful view of what professionals can expect in the Herndon market. The small number of psychologists employed locally—only five—suggests that competition may be limited, potentially impacting salary dynamics in this specialized sector.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,740 | $25.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,992 | $32.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,723 | $41.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,004 | $53.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,420 | $64.62 |
Median Salary Position
17.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Herndon
In Herndon, VA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $80,680 (2026 est.). At $86,723, the local median is 17.95% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Herndon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Herndon Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Herndon median: $86,723/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Herndon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,553 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -17.95% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Herndon, VA earn a median of $86,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.95% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $92,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Herndon has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Herndon, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $86,723 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,034 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$67,703
2025 BLS Actual
$82,530
2026 Current Est.
$86,723
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Herndon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $67,703 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,854 | Actual |
| 2024 | $93,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,530 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,723 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,128 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Herndon metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $67,703 (2021) to $82,530 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,128 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,425 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Herndon 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) | $53,740 – $66,992 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,992 – $86,723 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,723 – $111,004 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,004 – $134,420 |
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 Herndon
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Herndon is influenced by the area's economic realities and the limited number of positions available. With a cost-of-living index above the national average, take-home purchasing power may be challenging for professionals earning within the lower range. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher salaries due to their expanded resources and ability to provide competitive benefits packages. The disparity between lower and upper salary ranges can also be attributed to factors like specialty certifications, shift differentials, and the financial stability of the employer. To enhance compensation in Herndon, clinical and counseling psychologists should consider pursuing additional qualifications and actively seeking positions within larger healthcare settings, where the potential for higher pay and better job stability is greater.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Herndon?
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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 $82,530 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Herndon 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 Herndon 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