Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Hurst, TX: $45,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,837 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,747 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($79,030) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates beginning their careers as clinical and counseling psychologists in Hurst, TX, can expect to face a significant starting salary of around $45,837 in 2026. This figure is quite a bit lower than the city's median annual salary of $79,030, indicating that entry-level roles may not fully reflect the earning potential found throughout a psychologist's career. However, with experience and professional development, early-career practitioners can anticipate salary growth, progressing from the entry-level pay towards the first quartile at $60,613 and potentially reaching the median salary fairly quickly over their initial few years. Considering the 5.08% expected growth rate annually, Hurst offers a gradual pathway for new grads as they establish themselves in the field.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($75,840) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Hurst, TX typically start between $45,837 and $60,613 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,659 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $79,030 — 25.22% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Texas of $70,000 represents just 152.72% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($45,837/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $45,837 to $60,613, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst'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 Hurst is $76,659 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,837, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,496.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$37,169
2025 BLS Actual
$43,621
2026 Current Est.
$45,837
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Hurst (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $37,169 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,038 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,165 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,169 in 2021 to $43,621 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,165. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
In Hurst, many large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively seek new graduates in psychological roles, often providing structured onboarding programs that can ease the transition from academia to practice. Acquiring state licensure is essential for any new graduate, while pursuing optional advanced certifications can further enhance earning potential within Texas. In the first few years on the job, salaries can vary broadly based on employer type and candidate credentials; therefore, staying informed about local job opportunities and networking within the healthcare community will be advantageous. Early-career psychologists should anticipate steady salary increases as they build their expertise and reputation, making the overall market climate in Hurst relatively favorable for newcomers in the field of psychology.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Texas?
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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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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