Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in McLean, VA: $90,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in McLean, VA earns a median $90,634/year (≈ $43.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in McLean's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $87,824 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In McLean, Virginia, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists is $90,634 for 2026, reflecting the area's slightly higher cost of living, with an index of 103.2. The salary range spans from $52,567 at the 10th percentile to $140,483 at the 90th percentile, suggesting varied earning potential based on factors like experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost considerations, and hint at local market dynamics. When comparing the clinical and counseling psychologist salary in McLean to the national median of $105,689, it becomes evident that professionals in this region might face a relative disadvantage, as the local median is 14.24% lower than the national figure.
About the McLean Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,567 | $25.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,256 | $31.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,634 | $43.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,011 | $55.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,483 | $67.53 |
Median Salary Position
14.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in McLean
In McLean, VA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,916 (2026 est.). At $90,634, the local median is 14.24% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in McLean: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How McLean Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
McLean median: $90,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | McLean Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,578 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -14.24% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in McLean, VA earn a median of $90,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.24% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $92,578.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
McLean has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
McLean, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $90,634 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $87,824 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$70,756
2025 BLS Actual
$86,252
2026 Current Est.
$90,634
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in McLean (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $70,756 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,291 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,410 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,917 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,238 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the McLean metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $70,756 (2021) to $86,252 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,238 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,482 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the McLean 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) | $52,567 – $65,256 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,256 – $90,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,634 – $116,011 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,011 – $140,483 |
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 McLean
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in McLean shows a concentration of 11 employed professionals, indicating a niche market that could offer various opportunities, particularly at larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, which are known to pay more than private practices. Given the cost of living, professionals need to maximize their take-home income by considering employer size and benefits structure, both of which can significantly influence compensation. The variation in pay can also stem from additional credentials, areas of expertise, or shift differentials. To enhance earnings, psychologists should focus on obtaining specialty certifications and conducting ongoing professional development, as these factors can lead to higher pay brackets within McLean VA's healthcare landscape. Understanding how much clinical and counseling psychologists make in McLean requires a strategic approach to position oneself effectively within the market.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in McLean, VA in 2026?
Is McLean, VA a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in McLean?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in McLean?
How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in McLean?
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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 $86,252 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the McLean 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 McLean 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