Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Seattle, WA: $124,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Seattle, WA earns a median $124,979/year (≈ $60.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Seattle's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $116,368 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.1% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Seattle, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary stands at a median of $124,979, significantly above the national median of $105,689. With a salary range spanning from $72,487 at the lower end (P10) to as high as $193,717 (P90), these figures suggest a diverse salary landscape influenced by factors like experience, specialty, and employer type. The local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the particular economic conditions and cost structures of Seattle, where 116 professionals currently practice. This employment figure hints at a market that has ample opportunities but also suggests that competition may be tight for higher-paying roles.
About the Seattle Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($105,190) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,487 | $34.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,985 | $43.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,979 | $60.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,973 | $76.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $193,717 | $93.13 |
Median Salary Position
18.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle
In Seattle, WA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,230 (2026 est.). At $124,979, the local median is 18.25% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Seattle: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Seattle Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Seattle median: $124,979/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Seattle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $113,514 | +10.10% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +18.25% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Seattle, WA earn a median of $124,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.25% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 10.10% above the Washington state average of $113,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Seattle has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Seattle, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,979 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $116,368 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$101,750
2025 BLS Actual
$118,937
2026 Current Est.
$124,979
2021–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Seattle (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $101,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $107,770 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,937 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,328 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Seattle metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 16.9% from $101,750 (2021) to $118,937 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,578 (29.07%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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) | $72,487 – $89,985 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,985 – $124,979 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,979 – $159,973 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,973 – $193,717 |
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 Seattle
Examining the job market dynamics for clinical and counseling psychologists in Seattle reveals a compelling picture. Despite a cost-of-living index of 107.4 that indicates higher expenses compared to national averages, the potential for high earnings persists. Major employers, such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, often offer the most competitive salaries, partly driven by their need for specialized skill sets and a comprehensive benefits structure. The variation in pay among clinical and counseling psychologists in Seattle can reflect differences in employer size, the complexity of care provided, and the presence of shift differentials. To maximize earning potential in this market, professionals should focus on obtaining advanced certifications and seeking employment with larger healthcare systems that tend to offer higher compensation packages.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
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 $118,937 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Seattle 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 Seattle 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