Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Moline, IL: $45,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,844 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,213 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,041) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new graduates pursuing a career as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Moline, Illinois, are projected to begin at approximately $45,844 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary spectrum, it offers a foundation for early-career professionals. Comparatively, the median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Moline is set at $79,041, presenting a gap that can be bridged through experience, skill development, and continued education. Over the first few years of their career, new graduates can expect their average earnings to increase, potentially reaching around $57,333 within the first few years. Given these figures and a projected growth rate of 5.08% annually, Moline may be a promising market for recent psychology graduates eager to make their mark in the profession.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($112,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Moline, IL typically start between $45,844 and $57,333 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,670 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,041 — 25.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Illinois of $110,000 represents just 239.94% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($45,844/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on APA-accredited PsyD and PhD clinical psychology program data. PsyD programs (predominantly clinical) typically charge tuition; PhD programs (research-focused) often offer full funding plus stipend. Median time-to-degree is 5-7 years; an additional 1-2 year clinical postdoc plus state EPPP exam is required for licensure.
CCP Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $45,844 to $57,333, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the psychology field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Compensation Range
The clinical and counseling psychologist wage spread in Moline is $76,670 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,844, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$37,175
2025 BLS Actual
$43,628
2026 Current Est.
$45,844
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Moline (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,814 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,606 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,628 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,173 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,175 in 2021 to $43,628 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,173. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Starting Your psychology Career in Moline
In this region, significant employment opportunities exist with larger hospital systems and corporate group practices that frequently seek to hire new grad clinical and counseling psychologists. These institutions often provide structured onboarding programs, enabling fresh graduates to transition effectively into the workforce. Securing state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can further enhance earning potential, as these credentials are viewed favorably by employers in Illinois. In the initial one to three years of practice, salaries for early-career professionals can experience substantial growth, often varying based on the employer type, regional demand, and individual qualifications. As new practitioners aim to elevate their starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Moline, remaining adaptable and committed to professional development throughout these formative years is essential.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new psychology graduates. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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