Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Keene, NH: $63,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Keene, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,018 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Keene's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,731 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($108,652) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a clinical or counseling psychologist in Keene, NH, new graduates can expect a starting salary around $63,018 in 2026. This entry-level compensation is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $108,652, reflecting the typical gap that many fresh professionals face as they establish their careers. However, as they gain experience, their earning potential is expected to grow steadily, with opportunities to reach the 25th percentile pay of $80,263 within a few years. Given the projected 5.08% growth rate in the field, Keene appears to be a reasonable market for entry-level professionals, especially considering the demand for mental health services in today’s healthcare landscape.
About the Keene Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($106,850) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Keene
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 Keene
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Keene, NH typically start between $63,018 and $80,263 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $105,392 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $108,652 — 2.8% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in New Hampshire of $90,000 represents just 142.82% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($63,018/year) in Keene. 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 Keene
- 1Research the Keene market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $63,018 to $80,263, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Keene, 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 Keene for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Keene'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 Keene is $105,392 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,018, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,410.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$51,101
2025 BLS Actual
$59,971
2026 Current Est.
$63,018
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Keene (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,101 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,481 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,971 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,219 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Keene, NH grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,101 in 2021 to $59,971 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,219. New graduates entering the Keene job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Keene 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 Keene
For those entering the field in Keene, various healthcare providers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices are known to hire recent graduates, often providing structured onboarding that eases the transition into professional roles. To enhance their starting pay in New Hampshire, aspiring psychologists should focus on obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies. In the early years of one’s career, it is essential to build experience and establish a professional network to facilitate advancement. Given the diverse compensation scenarios influenced by employer type and geographic factors, realistic salary growth during the first few years can be anticipated, making strategic gains in pay achievable as new graduates hone their skills and professional credentials.
More salary data for Keene, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Keene in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Keene?
Is psychology school worth it in Keene?
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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 Keene. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Keene 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