Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Holladay, UT: $59,551 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Holladay, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,551 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Holladay's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,704 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,675) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Starting salaries for new grad clinical and counseling psychologists in Holladay, UT, are projected around $59,551 in 2026. While this figure is considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $102,675, it reflects the entry-level status of these positions within the field. Over the first few years, professionals can expect salary growth as they gain experience—potentially reaching the 25th percentile salary of $74,876 by year three and edging closer to the median within five years. The market in Holladay is increasingly favorable, making it a viable place for new graduates to launch their careers and grow within the profession.
About the Holladay Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($86,130) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Holladay
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 Holladay
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Holladay, UT typically start between $59,551 and $74,876 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $99,595 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,675 — 2.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Utah of $60,000 represents just 100.75% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($59,551/year) in Holladay. 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 Holladay
- 1Research the Holladay market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $59,551 to $74,876, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Holladay, 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 Holladay for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Holladay'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 Holladay is $99,595 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,551, experienced hygienists can earn up to $159,146.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$48,290
2025 BLS Actual
$56,672
2026 Current Est.
$59,551
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Holladay (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,551 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,576 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Holladay, UT grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,290 in 2021 to $56,672 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,576. New graduates entering the Holladay job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holladay 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 Holladay
In Holladay, newly licensed psychologists can find opportunities primarily through large hospital systems and corporate group practices, which often have structured onboarding programs designed to support early-career professionals. These organizations tend to offer competitive starting pay, especially for those who pursue continuing education and additional certifications recognized nationally. First-year salaries can vary widely depending on the specific employer type and the psychologist's credentials. New graduates should strategically look for positions that offer mentorship and training opportunities, as these can significantly influence both professional development and salary progression in the crucial first three years. As experience accumulates, most can anticipate steady growth in their earnings, paving the way for a successful career in psychology.
More salary data for Holladay, UT:
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 Holladay. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Holladay 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