Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Quincy, IL: $47,315 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,315 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $48,728 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($81,578) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Quincy, IL can typically expect a starting salary around $47,315 in 2026, significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $81,578. This disparity highlights the initial financial challenges faced by newcomers in the profession. However, those entering the field can anticipate gradual salary progression as they gain experience; moving from the starting point to around $60,612 after establishing themselves, and potentially reaching the median salary within three to five years. Given Quincy’s projected growth rate of 5.08% for this field, it remains a viable market for new graduates, especially in the context of local demand for mental health services, making it a promising place for entry-level roles.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($112,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Quincy, IL typically start between $47,315 and $60,612 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $79,131 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $81,578 — 22.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Illinois of $110,000 represents just 232.48% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($47,315/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $47,315 to $60,612, 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 Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy'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 Quincy is $79,131 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,315, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,446.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$38,368
2025 BLS Actual
$45,028
2026 Current Est.
$47,315
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Quincy (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $38,368 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,899 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,845 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,315 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,719 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,368 in 2021 to $45,028 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,719. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
In Quincy, key employers for aspiring clinical and counseling psychologists typically include large hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding programs for new professionals. Securing state licensure is essential for practice, and pursuing additional accredited certifications can enhance job prospects and starting salaries in Illinois. First-year clinicians often find salary growth slow but steady, depending on employer type and service delivery settings. Many professionals can realistically expect incremental raises in their first three years, particularly if they engage in ongoing education and networking within the community. This approach not only boosts hiring potential but also prepares new graduates for a more competitive salary landscape in the future, with possibilities that align with the market’s growth and demand for mental health services.
More salary data for Quincy, 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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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