Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Fall River, MA: $64,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Fall River, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,276 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fall River's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,574) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Fall River, Massachusetts, the starting salary reflects an entry-level position that typically pays around $64,276 in 2026. This is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $109,574 within the city, indicating a significant gap that new graduates should be aware of as they embark on their careers. Over the first three to five years, the salary can increase as psychologists move from entry-level to more experienced roles, with the 25th percentile earning approximately $82,149. This trajectory suggests that while the initial pay may be modest, there are opportunities for financial growth as professionals gain experience in the field. With its projected growth rate of 5.08% annually, Fall River presents a favorable employment landscape for new grads looking to begin their careers.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fall River
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 Fall River
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Fall River, MA typically start between $64,276 and $82,149 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,564 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,574 — 3.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 217.81% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($64,276/year) in Fall River. 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 Fall River
- 1Research the Fall River market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $64,276 to $82,149, 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 Fall River, 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 Fall River for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fall River'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 Fall River is $105,564 ( 164.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,276, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,840.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,122
2025 BLS Actual
$61,169
2026 Current Est.
$64,276
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Fall River (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,122 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,129 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,422 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,169 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,542 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fall River, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,122 in 2021 to $61,169 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,542. New graduates entering the Fall River job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
In the Fall River job market, hospitals and corporate group practices represent key employers that actively recruit new graduates in psychology. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs, making them ideal for entry-level candidates. Obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional bodies can enhance starting pay and career advancement opportunities in Massachusetts. As entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists navigate their initial years, they can expect varying compensation based on employer type, geographic market, and the credentials they hold. Realistically, psychologists may witness their pay gradually increase as they gain clinical experience and refine their skills, transitioning into positions that command higher salaries as they establish their professional reputations in the field.
More salary data for Fall River, 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 Fall River. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fall River 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