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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
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.
Top CCP Salary Comparison
| Level | Pearl | National |
|---|---|---|
| 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 yearsSenior/Lead Clinical and Counseling Psychologist
5-10 yearsClinical and Counseling Psychologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPearl 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 (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $122,466 | Actual |
| 2022 | $123,439 | Actual |
| 2023 | $123,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $132,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $139,062 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $146,126 | Projected |
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 (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl 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 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.
More salary data for Pearl, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make in Pearl in 2026?
What drives higher clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Pearl?
What certifications boost clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Pearl?
Can experienced clinical and counseling psychologists make six figures in Pearl?
How much does clinical and counseling psychologist salary increase over time in Pearl?
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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
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).
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