Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Lowell, MA: $64,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Lowell, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,556 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lowell's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,499 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,303) 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 Lowell, Massachusetts, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary is anticipated to be around $64,556 in 2026. This figure is just below the median for the city, which stands at $111,303, indicating a sizable gap that new graduates can expect as they embark on their careers. While entry-level positions may feel modest compared to overall salaries in the area, early-career psychologists have the potential to experience significant salary growth. With progression, it's realistic for new graduates to aim for approximately $82,053 after a few years of experience, ultimately moving towards the city’s median as they build skills and expertise in the field. Given the projected growth rate of 5.08% annually, Lowell is an encouraging market for fresh graduates to commence their professional journeys.
About the Lowell Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lowell
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 Lowell
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Lowell, MA typically start between $64,556 and $82,053 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,963 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,303 — 5.31% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 216.87% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($64,556/year) in Lowell. 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 Lowell
- 1Research the Lowell market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $64,556 to $82,053, 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 Lowell, 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 Lowell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lowell'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 Lowell is $107,963 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,556, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,519.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,348
2025 BLS Actual
$61,435
2026 Current Est.
$64,556
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Lowell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,348 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,423 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,835 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lowell, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,348 in 2021 to $61,435 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,835. New graduates entering the Lowell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lowell 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 Lowell
In search of entry-level positions, new graduates in Lowell should target employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices willing to provide structured onboarding and mentorship. Gaining state licensure is essential for any practicing psychologist in Massachusetts, and pursuing advanced certifications can enhance starting pay and career prospects significantly. It is crucial for early-career professionals to develop a strategy for their first few years, focusing on aligning with organizations that support continuous learning and hold a reputation for investing in employees. In this health sector landscape, salaries may vary widely based on the type of employer, geographic nuances, and the psychologist's credentials, allowing smart and strategic actions in the first three years to lead to increased earning potential as experience is gained.
More salary data for Lowell, 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 Lowell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lowell 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