Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Shoreview, MN: $62,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,631 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,585 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,983) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Graduates stepping into the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Shoreview, Minnesota, can expect to start their careers at a salary of around $62,631, which reflects the P10 level for 2026 projections. While this starting pay may initially seem low—particularly when compared to the projected median annual salary of $107,983 for the area—the growth potential is strong. Over the first three to five years, early-career professionals can anticipate salary increases as they gain experience and certifications, eventually reaching the P25 level, which stands at $77,748. This trajectory suggests that the Shoreview market provides a viable opportunity for new graduates ready to embark on their careers in psychology, especially considering Minnesota's gradually growing demand for mental health services.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($96,180) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Shoreview, MN typically start between $62,631 and $77,748 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $104,744 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,983 — 2.17% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Minnesota of $90,000 represents just 143.70% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($62,631/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $62,631 to $77,748, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $104,744 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,631, experienced hygienists can earn up to $167,375.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$50,787
2025 BLS Actual
$59,603
2026 Current Est.
$62,631
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Shoreview (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $50,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,196 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,052 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,812 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,787 in 2021 to $59,603 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,812. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
In terms of employment opportunities, several large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Shoreview actively seek to hire new grad clinical and counseling psychologists. These organizations often implement structured onboarding programs, providing essential mentorship to help newcomers seamlessly integrate into their roles. To enhance compensation, obtaining state licensure is crucial, along with optional advanced certifications recognized nationally. For those in their early career years, the strategy should involve seeking diverse experiences to build a robust skill set; this is vital in a field where pay can differ dramatically based on the type of employer, geographic location, and professional credentials. Realistically, first-year salaries may see gradual increases, reflecting the industry's organic growth, paving the way toward more lucrative opportunities in years two to three.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Shoreview in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Shoreview?
Is psychology school worth it in Shoreview?
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How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Minnesota?
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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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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