Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Burbank, CA: $187,600 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $187,600/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $165,871 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For senior clinical and counseling psychologists in Burbank, the earning potential is substantial, particularly for those at the top of their field. In 2026, the top clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Burbank is projected to reach $187,600, significantly higher than the national benchmark for top earners, highlighting a marked difference in local compensation. The journey to attaining such a lucrative position typically involves years of specialized experience, often exceeding seven years, along with advanced practices and potential leadership roles in esteemed institutions. The impressive median annual salary of $121,032 indicates a clear experience premium, showcasing the financial rewards tied to extensive training, certifications, and the nuanced skills developed over years in practice.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $154,922 and $187,600 per year (2026 est.). This $117,401 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $121,032 sits 14.52% above the US median.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $121,032 | $105,689 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,922 | $142,068 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $187,600 | $190,153 |
In Burbank, experienced clinical and counseling psychologists (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $121,032 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $154,922–$187,600 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured clinical and counseling psychologists in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
5-10 yearsClinical and Counseling Psychologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #104 of 157 California cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $187,600).
Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Burbank ($187,600) is 3.47% below the California average P90 ($194,350).
2021 BLS Actual
$165,212
2025 BLS Actual
$178,531
2026 Current Est.
$187,600
2021–2027 Growth
+19.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Burbank (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $165,212 | Actual |
| 2022 | $166,524 | Actual |
| 2023 | $166,603 | Actual |
| 2024 | $198,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $178,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $187,600 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $197,130 | Projected |
Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $165,212 in 2021 to $178,531 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.08% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $197,130 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Earnings in Burbank
Compensation for senior-level clinical and counseling psychologists varies across different types of employers in Burbank, with private practices and specialty clinics typically offering higher salaries compared to community health centers. Practices focusing on niche areas such as trauma therapy, child psychology, or substance abuse often command higher pay, reflecting the demand and specialized skills involved. Advancing to leadership positions like a clinical coordinator or department director can also lead to increased compensation and job satisfaction. Furthermore, holding advanced credentials such as a Certified Clinical Psychologist (CCP) can catalyze salary increases in CA, as such qualifications are highly regarded. Non-salary benefits also play a role; senior professionals often enjoy enhanced benefits packages, shift differentials, and other compensatory perks which can contribute to overall job satisfaction and retention in a competitive market.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Burbank?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Burbank?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Burbank?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $178,531 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Burbank metro area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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