Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Williston, ND: $54,151 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,151 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,860 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($92,782) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williston, North Dakota, new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology can expect a starting salary of approximately $54,151 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile of earnings, marking a significant entry point when considering the city's median annual salary of $92,782. Early-career psychologists may anticipate a gradual trajectory in their salaries, progressing from $54,151 to around $69,109 within the first few years, ultimately approaching the median as they gain experience and refine their skills. These entry-level positions in Williston are relatively advantageous given the steady demand for mental health services in the area, offering promising employment opportunities for new professionals seeking to establish themselves in the community.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($105,770) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Williston, ND typically start between $54,151 and $69,109 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $89,661 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $92,782 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in North Dakota of $50,000 represents just 92.33% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($54,151/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $54,151 to $69,109, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston's below-average 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 Williston is $89,661 ( 165.58%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,151, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,812.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$43,911
2025 BLS Actual
$51,533
2026 Current Est.
$54,151
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Williston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $43,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,941 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,533 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,151 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,902 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,911 in 2021 to $51,533 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,902. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
Several large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Williston actively seek to hire new graduates into their clinical and counseling psychology roles, typically providing structured onboarding programs designed to equip these early-career professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge for success. Obtaining state licensure is essential for practice in North Dakota, while pursuing advanced certifications can further enhance one’s qualifications and starting salary in this sector. For new psychologists, it is critical to develop a strategic approach during the first one to three years of their careers, as salaries can vary considerably based on employer type, geographic market, and individual credentialing. Within this timeframe, early-career professionals can realistically expect salary growth aligned with the city's economic conditions and demand for psychological services, paving the way for a fulfilling and potentially lucrative career in mental health.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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