Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Medford, OR: $61,435 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Medford, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,435 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medford's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,878 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,923) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates seeking entry-level roles as clinical and counseling psychologists in Medford, Oregon, can expect starting salaries around $61,435 in 2026. This represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $105,923, but the compensation trajectory is promising. Over the first few years of their careers, many young professionals in this field can earn as much as $78,080 as they gain experience and build their practices. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.08%, the field appears robust, offering new graduates a reasonable chance at increasing their pay as they advance through the early stages of their careers. Medford currently presents a favorable market for newcomers, given its demand for mental health professionals and commitment to supporting them as they establish their careers.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($129,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medford
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 Medford
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Medford, OR typically start between $61,435 and $78,080 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,745 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,923 — 0.22% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Oregon of $90,000 represents just 146.50% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($61,435/year) in Medford. 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 Medford
- 1Research the Medford market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $61,435 to $78,080, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medford, 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 Medford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medford'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 Medford is $102,745 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,435, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,180.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$49,818
2025 BLS Actual
$58,465
2026 Current Est.
$61,435
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Medford (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $49,818 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,334 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,435 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,556 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Medford, OR grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,818 in 2021 to $58,465 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,556. New graduates entering the Medford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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 Medford
Various employers in Medford hire fresh graduates in clinical and counseling psychology, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding experiences. These employers typically provide mentorship and training, which can greatly enhance a new psychologist’s skill set and job satisfaction. For entry-level practitioners, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by professional bodies can significantly boost starting pay. In the first few years, early-career psychologists may find their salaries gradually increase as they establish a client base and gain valuable experience. However, compensation can still vary widely based on the type of employer and the geographic market. Therefore, it is essential for new grads to develop a strategy that includes networking and continuous education in order to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Medford, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Medford in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Medford?
Is psychology school worth it in Medford?
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How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Oregon?
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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 Medford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medford 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