Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Burlington, IA: $53,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,208 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,858 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($91,739) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary is positioned at $53,208 for entry-level positions in 2026. Although this amount is substantially lower than the overall city median salary of $91,739, it provides a realistic starting point for new graduates entering the field. Over the first few years, earnings can grow significantly; moving from the starting pay, graduates can expect to reach about $68,024 within a few years, subsequently approaching the median salary as they gain experience. The current job market in Burlington reflects a favorable climate for newcomers, with a projected annual growth rate of 5.08%, indicating increasing opportunities within the profession.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington, IA typically start between $53,208 and $68,024 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $88,987 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $91,739 — 13.2% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Iowa of $60,000 represents just 112.76% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($53,208/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $53,208 to $68,024, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $88,987 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,208, experienced hygienists can earn up to $142,195.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$43,147
2025 BLS Actual
$50,636
2026 Current Est.
$53,208
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,808 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,794 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,911 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,147 in 2021 to $50,636 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $55,911. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Burlington offers a variety of employers looking to hire recent graduates, including large hospital systems and established corporate group practices. These entities often provide structured onboarding programs that can help facilitate the transition from graduate school to full-time positions. To enhance potential starting pay in Iowa, securing state licensure is vital, and additional certifications recognized by the national professional organization can be beneficial. In the first three years, entry-level professionals may see variability in compensation based on their employer types and geographic factors. However, by actively pursuing additional training and certifications, new grads could realistically expect steady progress in their salaries, moving beyond entry-level and positioning themselves for future advancement within Burlington's healthcare community.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Burlington?
Is psychology school worth it in Burlington?
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How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Iowa?
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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