Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Somerville, MA: $65,256 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Somerville, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,256 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Somerville's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,144 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,510) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Somerville, Massachusetts can expect to start their careers with a salary around $65,256, representing the 10th percentile for entry-level positions. This figure is notably lower than the median annual salary for their experienced counterparts at $112,510, illustrating the significant income gap that exists for early-career professionals. However, with experience, these psychologists have the potential to move towards the 25th percentile at $81,208 and eventually toward the median as they establish themselves in the field. Given that behavioral health is a growing sector, Somerville presents a promising market for new grads, as the anticipated growth rate of 5.08% suggests there will be increasing opportunities in the coming years.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Somerville
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 Somerville
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Somerville, MA typically start between $65,256 and $81,208 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,135 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,510 — 6.45% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 214.54% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($65,256/year) in Somerville. 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 Somerville
- 1Research the Somerville market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $65,256 to $81,208, 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 Somerville, 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 Somerville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Somerville'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 Somerville is $109,135 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,256, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,391.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,916
2025 BLS Actual
$62,101
2026 Current Est.
$65,256
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Somerville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,916 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,132 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,122 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,101 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,256 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,571 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Somerville, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,916 in 2021 to $62,101 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,571. New graduates entering the Somerville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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 Somerville
In Somerville, employers like large hospital systems and corporate practices frequently hire fresh graduates, providing structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smoother transition from academic training to professional practice. For those looking to enhance their starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Somerville, obtaining state licensure and pursuing advanced certifications can significantly bolster earning potential and career advancement. In the first three years of practice, compensation can vary depending on the employer and the psychologist's credentials; however, many new professionals can anticipate a gradual increase in their salaries as they gain experience and build a reputation in the community. Establishing a solid professional network and continuing education will be essential strategies for navigating the first few years in this dynamic market in MA.
More salary data for Somerville, 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 Somerville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Somerville 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