Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Stoughton, MA: $62,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Stoughton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,557 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Stoughton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,656 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($106,250) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the workforce as clinical and counseling psychologists in Stoughton, Massachusetts, the starting pay is projected to be approximately $62,557 in 2026. This figure represents the lower end of the salary range for entry-level positions in the area and stands in contrast to the city’s median annual salary of $106,250. This gap can serve as a guideline for realistic salary expectations; early-career psychologists may anticipate a growth trajectory that sees their compensation increase to $77,182 after gaining some experience. With a 5.08% annual growth rate expected over the coming years, Stoughton presents a favorable market for new graduates seeking to establish their careers in psychology, especially given the demand for mental health services.
About the Stoughton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Stoughton
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 Stoughton
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Stoughton, MA typically start between $62,557 and $77,182 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,130 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $106,250 — 0.53% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 223.80% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($62,557/year) in Stoughton. 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 Stoughton
- 1Research the Stoughton market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $62,557 to $77,182, 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 Stoughton, 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 Stoughton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Stoughton'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 Stoughton is $102,130 ( 163.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,557, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,687.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$50,728
2025 BLS Actual
$59,533
2026 Current Est.
$62,557
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Stoughton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $50,728 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,142 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,681 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,498 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,533 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,735 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Stoughton, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,728 in 2021 to $59,533 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,735. New graduates entering the Stoughton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stoughton 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 Stoughton
In Stoughton, potential employers likely include established hospital systems and corporate group practices that provide structured onboarding for new graduates. These organizations frequently seek to fill entry-level roles and may offer mentorship programs to help ease the transition into the professional environment. To enhance starting clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in MA, acquiring state licensure is essential, while pursuing advanced certifications can lead to additional pay increases and opportunities. New graduates should develop a strategic career plan that focuses on gaining relevant experience, as compensation in this field tends to vary widely depending on the employer type, geographic market, and credentials held. Within the first few years in this profession, a realistic expectation for salary growth may elevate new hires into the mid-range of the overall compensation spectrum, providing a solid foundation for long-term career advancement.
More salary data for Stoughton, 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 Stoughton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Stoughton 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