Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Overland Park, KS: $56,632 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Overland Park, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $56,632 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Overland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,301 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($97,641) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a clinical or counseling psychologist in Overland Park, KS, offers entry-level graduates a starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary of approximately $56,632 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the city's median salary of $97,641, highlighting the income gap that new professionals can expect as they initiate their careers. While entry-level pay is limited, there is a clear growth trajectory; many psychologists can expect to earn around $70,302 within their first few years in the field. Overland Park's job market is favorable for recent graduates, considering the rising demand for mental health services and supportive community networks. New professionals who strategically plan their paths within the first few years can achieve more competitive salaries as they gain experience and credentials.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($84,570) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Overland Park
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 Overland Park
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Overland Park, KS typically start between $56,632 and $70,302 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $94,713 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $97,641 — 7.61% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Kansas of $50,000 represents just 88.29% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($56,632/year) in Overland Park. 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 Overland Park
- 1Research the Overland Park market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $56,632 to $70,302, 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 Overland Park, 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 Overland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Overland Park'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 Overland Park is $94,713 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $56,632, experienced hygienists can earn up to $151,345.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$45,923
2025 BLS Actual
$53,894
2026 Current Est.
$56,632
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Overland Park (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45,923 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,771 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,691 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,315 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,894 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,632 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,509 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Overland Park, KS grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,923 in 2021 to $53,894 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,509. New graduates entering the Overland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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 Overland Park
In Overland Park, multiple large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively recruit new graduates, often providing structured onboarding programs that make the transition smoother. Newly licensed psychologists can enhance their salaries by pursuing advanced certifications recognized at the national level, which can open doors to specialized fields within psychology. During the critical first one to three years of work, entry-level professionals should focus on accumulating experience and networking within their field, as this can lead to increased salary potential. As the market favors mental health professionals, realistic salary growth within the first three years could see entry-level wages increase significantly, moving towards the 75th percentile pay as clinicians refine their skills and expand their patient bases.
More salary data for Overland Park, 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 Overland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Overland Park 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