Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Dracut, MA: $62,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Dracut, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,710 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dracut's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,797 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,318) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates looking to start their careers in psychology, the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Dracut, MA, presents a promising opportunity. New professionals can anticipate a salary around $62,710 initially, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $106,318. This gap allows for potential growth over the first few years of employment, as entry-level professionals typically see an increase as they gain experience and move closer to the median salary. Within the first three to five years, individuals may advance to about $79,678, reflecting a healthy starting point in a market that is currently favorable for new graduates.
About the Dracut Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dracut
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 Dracut
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Dracut, MA typically start between $62,710 and $79,678 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,083 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,318 — 0.6% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 223.25% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($62,710/year) in Dracut. 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 Dracut
- 1Research the Dracut market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $62,710 to $79,678, 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 Dracut, 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 Dracut for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dracut'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 Dracut is $102,083 ( 162.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,710, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,793.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$50,851
2025 BLS Actual
$59,678
2026 Current Est.
$62,710
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Dracut (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $50,851 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,254 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,809 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,537 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,678 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,895 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Dracut, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,851 in 2021 to $59,678 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,895. New graduates entering the Dracut job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dracut 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 Dracut
In Dracut, large healthcare institutions and corporate group practices are the primary employers likely to hire newly minted psychologists. These organizations typically provide structured onboarding and mentorship, essential for enhancing skills and advancing careers. Obtaining state licensure is crucial for practice in Massachusetts, and pursuing additional certifications from recognized national bodies can further increase earning potential. In the first one to three years, starting salaries may not greatly exceed entry-level pay but should steadily improve as professionals build their credentials and expertise. The regional growth rate of 5.08% also suggests that there will be opportunities for salary increases as the market evolves, particularly for those who strategically align their career development with employer expectations.
More salary data for Dracut, 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 Dracut. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dracut 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