Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Taunton, MA: $63,855 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Taunton, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,855 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Taunton's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,853 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,381) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on careers as clinical and counseling psychologists in Taunton, Massachusetts, the entry-level salary landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. In 2026, new graduates can anticipate starting pay around $63,855, significantly beneath the city’s median annual salary of $109,381. While this gap may seem daunting, the potential for growth is encouraging; early-career psychologists can see their salaries increase as they gain experience, with the upper quartile earning about $81,774 within the first two to three years. Given Taunton’s projected annual growth rate of 5.08% in this field, it currently offers a promising market for newcomers, even as they begin their career journeys.
About the Taunton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($102,090) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Taunton
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 Taunton
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Taunton, MA typically start between $63,855 and $81,774 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,685 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,381 — 3.49% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Massachusetts of $140,000 represents just 219.25% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($63,855/year) in Taunton. 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 Taunton
- 1Research the Taunton market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $63,855 to $81,774, 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 Taunton, 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 Taunton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Taunton'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 Taunton is $105,685 ( 165.51%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,855, experienced hygienists can earn up to $169,540.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$51,780
2025 BLS Actual
$60,768
2026 Current Est.
$63,855
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Taunton (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,780 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,774 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,768 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,855 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,099 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Taunton, MA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,780 in 2021 to $60,768 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,099. New graduates entering the Taunton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taunton 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 Taunton
Employers in Taunton that typically hire entry-level psychologists include large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often provide structured onboarding programs tailored to new graduates. To optimize their initial salaries, aspiring psychologists should prioritize obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized nationally in their profession. In the first few years, it is crucial for new psychologists to focus on career strategies that include networking and seeking diverse experiences, as compensation can vary widely based on employer type and geographic factors. A gradual salary increase is realistic, with substantial differences seen as early as year three, paving the way for future earning potential that reflects their professional development and credentials in Massachusetts.
More salary data for Taunton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Taunton in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Taunton?
Is psychology school worth it in Taunton?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Taunton?
How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Massachusetts?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Taunton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Taunton 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