Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Peabody, MA: $64,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Peabody, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $64,440 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peabody's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,392 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($111,103) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Peabody, Massachusetts, presents a clear entry point for new graduates. With a projected entry-level pay of $64,440, new professionals can expect to face a gap when compared to the city’s overall median salary of $111,103. However, there is a pathway for growth, with salaries expected to rise to approximately $82,720 at the 25th percentile within a few years of experience. This upward trajectory signals a promising job market in Peabody for entry-level roles, where compensation trends reflect the demand for mental health professionals. With the anticipated growth rate of 5.08%, aspiring psychologists can find Peabody a conducive environment for beginning their careers in clinical and counseling psychology.
About the Peabody Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peabody
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 Peabody
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Peabody, MA typically start between $64,440 and $82,720 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $107,770 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $111,103 — 5.12% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 217.26% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($64,440/year) in Peabody. 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 Peabody
- 1Research the Peabody market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $64,440 to $82,720, 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 Peabody, 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 Peabody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peabody'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 Peabody is $107,770 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $64,440, experienced hygienists can earn up to $172,210.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,255
2025 BLS Actual
$61,325
2026 Current Est.
$64,440
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Peabody (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,267 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,307 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,714 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Peabody, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,255 in 2021 to $61,325 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,714. New graduates entering the Peabody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peabody 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 Peabody
Employers in Peabody who typically hire new graduates include large hospital systems and corporate group practices known for offering structured onboarding programs. These organizations actively seek fresh talent and provide a strong foundation for newcomers to the field. To enhance starting pay in Massachusetts, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can make candidates more competitive. Within the first few years, new grads can adopt strategic career plans that reflect the varying compensation trends influenced by employer type, geographic factors, and credential variances. For instance, it is realistic to see an increase in starting salaries as professionals gain practical experience and additional qualifications, leading to enhanced pay in the 1-3 year range. The combination of continuing education and professional experience will significantly influence their earnings profile in this promising job market.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 Peabody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Peabody 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