Psychologist Pay

Senior Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Pearl, MS: $139,062 (2026)

Quick Answer:The top tier of clinical and counseling psychologists working in Pearl, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $139,062/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 19-3033. Strip back Pearl's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $162,266 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.

$139,062
Top 10% Earn
$66.85/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$114,838
75th Percentile
$139,062
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Senior Salary in Pearl, MS — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pearl, MS clinical and counseling psychologist senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Pearl, Mississippi presents an intriguing compensation landscape for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists. As of 2026, top earners in this field can expect to see salaries reaching up to $139,062, with the 75th percentile marking a respectable $114,838. When comparing these figures to national averages, it's evident that the potential for high earnings is more subdued, with the national median standing at $105,689. However, the local experience premium is significant; the gap between the median annual salary of $89,717 and the highest earnings underlines the financial benefits of gaining extensive experience and potentially seeking specialized roles that command a premium. To achieve such elevated pay, professionals in Pearl often need to develop niche expertise and diversify their responsibilities, aiming higher in their roles and demonstrating strong leadership capabilities.

About the Pearl Market

Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($86,140) adjusted for local cost of living.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pearl

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists in Pearl. The median salary is $89,717, compared to the national median of $105,689.$46.8K$71.6K$96.4K$121.2K$146.0K$52.0K10th Pctl$65.5K25th Pctl$89.7KMedian$114.8K75th Pctl$139.1K90th PctlUS Median$105.7K

Experienced clinical and counseling psychologists at the top of the pay scale in Pearl earn between $114,838 and $139,062 per year (2026 est.). This $87,026 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Pearl median of $89,717 sits 15.11% below the US median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in the Pearl metro area.

Top CCP Salary Comparison

LevelPearlNational
Median (P50)$89,717$105,689
75th Percentile$114,838$142,068
90th Percentile (Top 10%)$139,062$190,153

In Pearl, 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 Pearl

1

Advanced Certifications in Mississippi

MS clinical and counseling psychologists with additional specialty certifications within the psychology field earn significantly above the $89,717 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Pearl employers.

2

Specialty Focus

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the psychology field in Pearl command premium compensation, often reaching the $114,838–$139,062 range.

3

Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience

Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Pearl metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.

4

Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships

Long-tenured clinical and counseling psychologists in Pearl with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.

5

Continuing Education & Leadership

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Mississippi 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 Pearl

Clinical Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

0-5 years
$52,036 – $89,717

Senior/Lead Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

5-10 years
$89,717 – $114,838

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Department Manager

10+ years
$114,838+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Pearl ranks #2 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner clinical and counseling psychologist salary (90th percentile: $139,062).

Top 10% clinical and counseling psychologist compensation in Pearl ($139,062) is 10.15% above the Mississippi average P90 ($126,243).

2021 BLS Actual

$122,466

2025 BLS Actual

$132,339

2026 Current Est.

$139,062

2021–2027 Growth

+19.3%

Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Pearl (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for clinical and counseling psychologists in Pearl. Baseline $122,466 in 2025, projected to $146,126 by 2027.$106.8K$118.3K$129.7K$141.2K$152.7K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$122.5K$123.4K$123.5K$113.3K$132.3K$139.1K$146.1K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$122,466Actual
2022$123,439Actual
2023$123,497Actual
2024$113,341Actual
2025$132,339Actual
2026(current)$139,062Estimated
2027$146,126Projected

Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists (90th percentile) in Pearl saw their compensation grow 8.1% from $122,466 in 2021 to $132,339 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 $146,126 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Pearl

Compensation for seasoned psychologists in Pearl varies widely based on practice settings and areas of specialization. For example, those engaged in specialty practices such as trauma-informed therapy or addiction counseling are more likely to command higher salaries than their peers in generalized positions. Employers range from community health centers to larger healthcare organizations, each offering distinct pay structures and benefits. In senior roles, practitioners may advance to positions such as clinical coordinator or department director, where leadership skills and advanced credentials, including certifications beyond state licensure, are increasingly valued. Such qualifications not only enhance salary prospects but may also introduce additional non-salary compensation factors like benefits packages and shift differentials that further enrich overall pay. For those aiming to maximize their earning potential in MS, focusing on professional development and pursuing niche qualifications can be instrumental in climbing the salary ladder in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Pearl in 2026?

Top-earning clinical and counseling psychologists in Pearl (90th percentile) make $139,062/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.08% annual growth). This is $49,345 more than the area median of $89,717 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior clinical and counseling psychologists typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Pearl?

Higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Pearl is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Pearl?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for clinical and counseling psychologists in Pearl include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $89,717, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Pearl?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Pearl is $139,062, well above $100K. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Pearl?

In Pearl, the gap between entry level ($52,036) and top earners ($139,062) is $87,026, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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 $132,339 for clinical and counseling psychologists in the Pearl 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 Pearl is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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