Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Suffolk, VA: $91,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Suffolk, VA earns a median $91,028/year (≈ $43.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $88,205 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Clinical and counseling psychologists in Suffolk, VA, can expect to see a median annual salary of $91,028 by 2026, which is notably lower than the projected national median of $105,689. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $52,908 while the top 90% can make as much as $141,093. These figures reflect local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. Given these dynamics, Suffolk’s job market for clinical and counseling psychologists is characterized by a competitive landscape, helping professionals level up their earning potential through additional credentials or specialized training.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,908 | $25.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,808 | $32.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,028 | $43.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,516 | $56.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,093 | $67.83 |
Median Salary Position
13.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,185 (2026 est.). At $91,028, the local median is 13.87% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $91,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,602 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -13.87% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $91,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.87% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $92,602.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,028 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,205 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$71,064
2025 BLS Actual
$86,627
2026 Current Est.
$91,028
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Suffolk (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $71,064 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,627 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,344 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,627 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,652 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $71,064 (2021) to $86,627 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,652 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,588 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $52,908 – $67,808 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,808 – $91,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,028 – $116,516 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,516 – $141,093 |
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 Suffolk
Despite employing only 15 clinical and counseling psychologists, Suffolk's market demonstrates a comprehensive cost-of-living index of 103.2, indicating higher living expenses that influence take-home pay. Taking this into account, those working in private practices often receive the highest compensation, especially those with niche expertise or specialized certifications. The disparity between the bottom and top salaries can also be attributed to factors like shift differentials and the varied benefits provided by larger healthcare organizations versus community health centers. For those looking to maximize their salary in Suffolk, pursuing advanced certifications and targeting employment with larger health providers can be effective strategies to enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Suffolk, VA in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Suffolk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Suffolk?
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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 $86,627 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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