Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Wichita, KS: $54,946 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Wichita, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,946 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wichita's local price level (BEA RPP 88.9 — 11% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,775 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,649) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Wichita, KS, the starting salary can be somewhat modest, with entry-level positions offering approximately $54,946. While this figure is below the median annual salary for psychologists in the city, which stands at $68,649, there is potential for salary growth as one gains experience. Over the first few years, new grads can expect their pay to increase through various milestones; for instance, the 25th percentile pay is around $63,731. Given the projected growth rate of 5.08% annually, the market in Wichita appears to provide ample opportunity for newcomers, making it a viable option for recent graduates eager to begin their careers in psychology.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wichita
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 Wichita
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Wichita, KS typically start between $54,946 and $63,731 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,278 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,649 — 35.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Kansas of $50,000 represents just 91.00% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($54,946/year) in Wichita. 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 Wichita
- 1Research the Wichita market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $54,946 to $63,731, 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 Wichita, 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 Wichita for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wichita'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 Wichita is $46,278 ( 84.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,946, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,224.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,660
2025 BLS Actual
$52,290
2026 Current Est.
$54,946
2021–2027 Growth
+193.7%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Wichita (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,660 | Actual |
| 2022 | $17,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,290 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,946 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,738 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wichita, KS grew 166.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,660 in 2021 to $52,290 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,738. New graduates entering the Wichita job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wichita 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 Wichita
Employers in Wichita that typically hire new graduates include major hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding processes designed to support new hires. To enhance earning potential, early-career psychologists should focus on obtaining state licensure, as well as pursue optional advanced certifications that are recognized by national professional bodies. In the first few years, it is valuable to align expectations with the industry context, as starting pay can vary significantly not only by employer type but also by geographical nuances within KS. While new professionals may initially earn salaries closer to the lower end of the range, it's realistic to anticipate a meaningful increase in compensation with relevant experience and professional development in this field.
More salary data for Wichita, 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 Wichita. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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