Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Leavenworth, KS: $54,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Leavenworth, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,492 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leavenworth's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,947 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,953) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Leavenworth, KS, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary is projected to be around $54,492 in 2026. This figure presents a considerable gap compared to the city median salary of $93,953, indicating that early-career professionals can expect to grow significantly in their pay within the first few years. As one progresses from the initial entry-level pay to about $67,646 at the 25th percentile, the first three to five years can yield a growth trajectory that aligns with the 5.08% annual growth rate in this field. Overall, Leavenworth provides a viable market for new graduates, as the demand for mental health services continues to increase and employers look for fresh talent to meet community needs.
About the Leavenworth Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($84,570) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leavenworth
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 Leavenworth
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Leavenworth, KS typically start between $54,492 and $67,646 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $91,135 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,953 — 11.1% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Kansas of $50,000 represents just 91.76% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($54,492/year) in Leavenworth. 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 Leavenworth
- 1Research the Leavenworth market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $54,492 to $67,646, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Leavenworth, 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 Leavenworth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leavenworth'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 Leavenworth is $91,135 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,492, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,627.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$44,188
2025 BLS Actual
$51,858
2026 Current Est.
$54,492
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Leavenworth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44,188 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,889 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,604 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,261 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Leavenworth, KS grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,188 in 2021 to $51,858 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,261. New graduates entering the Leavenworth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leavenworth 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 Leavenworth
In Leavenworth, several employers actively seek new graduates, particularly within large hospital systems and corporate group practices. These organizations are ideal for entry-level psychologists, as they often provide structured onboarding programs that facilitate smoother transitions into professional roles. To enhance starting pay, new entrants should pursue state licensure and consider obtaining optional advanced certifications recognized by the national accrediting bodies. Within the first three years, salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as employer type, geographic market, and credential mix, with realistic expectations of moving through the pay scale as experience and skills develop. For those just beginning their careers, focusing on gaining experience in settings that offer comprehensive support can help maximize earning potential while contributing to the growing mental health workforce in the region.
More salary data for Leavenworth, KS:
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 Leavenworth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leavenworth 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