Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Andover, MA: $60,955 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Andover, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,955 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,180 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,095) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Andover, Massachusetts can expect to start with a salary around $60,955 in 2026. This starting figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $105,095, which highlights the distinctions in earnings as psychologists advance in their careers. Over the first three to five years, there is a clear trajectory for salary growth from the entry-level pay at the 10th percentile through to the 25th percentile, where early-career professionals can expect to earn approximately $77,306. Given the favorable growth rate of 5.08%, Andover presents a solid market for new graduates who are looking to build their careers, equipped with opportunities as the demand for mental health services continues to rise.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
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 Andover
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Andover, MA typically start between $60,955 and $77,306 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $101,942 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,095 — 0.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 229.68% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($60,955/year) in Andover. 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 Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $60,955 to $77,306, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, 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 Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover's moderate 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 Andover is $101,942 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,955, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,897.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$49,428
2025 BLS Actual
$58,008
2026 Current Est.
$60,955
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Andover (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $49,428 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,960 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,331 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,955 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,051 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,428 in 2021 to $58,008 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,051. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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 Andover
In Andover, new grads can find positions with large hospital systems and corporate group practices that actively seek entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists. These employers are more likely to offer structured onboarding programs that help early-career professionals acclimate to the demands of their roles. To enhance earning potential, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by the national body can be beneficial. During the first one to three years, compensation can differ greatly depending on the employer type and geographic market. While the initial starting pay may be modest, professionals can realistically anticipate increases as they gain experience and credentials, potentially aligning their pay more closely with the median over time.
More salary data for Andover, MA:
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 Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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