Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Terre Haute, IN: $36,190 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Terre Haute, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $36,190 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Terre Haute's local price level (BEA RPP 87.8 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,220 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,293) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source

Entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Terre Haute, Indiana, new graduates can anticipate earning a starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary of approximately $36,190 in 2026. While this starting figure sits considerably below the local median of $79,293, it does demonstrate the potential growth that can occur within the first few years of employment, moving toward the P25 salary of $42,726 as experience is gained. The city of Terre Haute currently presents a viable entry market for new professionals, especially as the field is projected to grow at an annual rate of 5.08%. As early-career psychologists gain early experience and establish themselves in the community, their earning potential will likely increase, offering a clearer pathway to more competitive salaries in the future.
Career Earnings Timeline in Terre Haute
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 Terre Haute
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Terre Haute, IN typically start between $36,190 and $42,726 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $73,450 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,293 — 24.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Indiana of $60,000 represents just 165.79% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($36,190/year) in Terre Haute. 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 Terre Haute
- 1Research the Terre Haute market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $36,190 to $42,726, 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 IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Terre Haute, 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 Terre Haute for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Terre Haute's below-average 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 Terre Haute is $73,450 ( 202.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $36,190, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,640.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$29,346
2025 BLS Actual
$34,440
2026 Current Est.
$36,190
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Terre Haute (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36,190 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,028 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Terre Haute, IN grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,346 in 2021 to $34,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,028. New graduates entering the Terre Haute job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Terre Haute 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 Terre Haute
In Terre Haute, entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists may find employment opportunities with large hospital systems and corporate group practices that are known to support new grads with structured onboarding programs. To enhance earning potential early in one’s career, pursuing state licensure and obtaining advanced certifications recognized by national professional organizations can be beneficial. Additionally, compensation varies greatly based on employer type, geographic considerations, and the psychologist’s credentials—therefore, building a diverse skill set can affect salary growth in the first three years significantly. Realistically, new graduates in this profession can expect moderate salary increases as they gain experience and credibility, although it will vary based on their chosen work environment and dedication to professional development.
More salary data for Terre Haute, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is psychology school worth it in Terre Haute?
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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 Terre Haute. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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