Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Lima, OH: $63,138 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Lima, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,138 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lima's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,612 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($104,772) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Lima, Ohio, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $63,138, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $104,772. This difference highlights the expected wage progression early in one’s career, as many entry-level positions lead to salaries that can reach $79,592 within a few years. The growth trajectory shows promising potential, with recent graduates able to steadily advance toward the median salary, benefiting from the area’s economic context and increasing demand for mental health services. Lima can be a favorable market for new clinicians, particularly for those who actively seek employment within structured settings that support their professional development.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($91,290) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lima
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 Lima
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Lima, OH typically start between $63,138 and $79,592 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $104,772 — 0.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Ohio of $70,000 represents just 110.87% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($63,138/year) in Lima. 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 Lima
- 1Research the Lima market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $63,138 to $79,592, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lima, 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 Lima for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lima'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 Lima is $99,259 ( 157.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,138, experienced hygienists can earn up to $162,397.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$51,199
2025 BLS Actual
$60,086
2026 Current Est.
$63,138
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Lima (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $51,199 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,570 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,170 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,249 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,086 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,138 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,346 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Lima, OH grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,199 in 2021 to $60,086 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,346. New graduates entering the Lima job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
Many employers in Lima are actively seeking licensed clinical and counseling psychologists, especially within large hospital systems and corporate practices that tend to offer comprehensive onboarding programs for new graduates. These organizations not only provide valuable training but also invest in continuing education, which is crucial for boosting earnings in Ohio. Obtaining state licensure and considering further specialized certifications can enhance starting pay and career opportunities. For those in their first one to three years, it’s realistic to expect gradual increases in salary, especially as experience accumulates and new professionals adapt to the demands of various workplace environments. Leveraging a combination of relevant credentials and practical experience will ultimately dictate a new grad clinical and counseling psychologist’s pay in OH.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Lima in 2026?
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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 Lima. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lima 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