Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Tigard, OR: $61,146 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Tigard, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,146 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Tigard's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,596 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($105,425) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pursuing a career as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Tigard, Oregon, can present a financially rewarding start for new graduates. In 2026, the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Tigard is projected to be around $61,146, which is notably below the city's median annual salary of $105,425. This gap signifies that new graduates can expect a gradual increase in their earnings as they gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries can climb to approximately $77,126 at the 25th percentile, indicating a growth trajectory that reflects the increasing competencies and responsibilities undertaken by early-career psychologists. Given the positive growth rate of 5.08% projected for this field, Tigard currently appears to be a supportive market for fresh graduates eager to embark on their professional journey.
About the Tigard Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($129,600) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Tigard
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 Tigard
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Tigard, OR typically start between $61,146 and $77,126 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $102,262 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $105,425 — 0.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Oregon of $90,000 represents just 147.19% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($61,146/year) in Tigard. 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 Tigard
- 1Research the Tigard market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $61,146 to $77,126, 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 Tigard, 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 Tigard for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Tigard'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 Tigard is $102,262 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,146, experienced hygienists can earn up to $163,408.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$49,583
2025 BLS Actual
$58,190
2026 Current Est.
$61,146
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Tigard (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $49,583 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,101 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,492 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,190 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,146 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,252 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Tigard, OR grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,583 in 2021 to $58,190 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,252. New graduates entering the Tigard job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tigard 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 Tigard
In Tigard, various employers actively seek to hire new graduate clinical and counseling psychologists, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These organizations provide an environment conducive to learning and professional growth, enhancing the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Oregon. As new practitioners navigate their early careers, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can significantly boost their initial compensation. Understanding the dynamics of compensation variability based on employer type, geographic market, and credential mix is crucial for those in the first 1-3 years. Realistically, new psychologists in Tigard can anticipate steady salary progression, thereby making strategic career moves that leverage their skills and credentials essential in optimizing their earning potential during the initial employment phase.
More salary data for Tigard, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Tigard in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Tigard?
Is psychology school worth it in Tigard?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Tigard?
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 Tigard. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Tigard 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