Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Orem, UT: $77,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Orem, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $77,992 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orem's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,503 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($134,470) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Pursuing an entry-level position as a clinical and counseling psychologist in Orem, UT, can lead to a starting salary of approximately $77,992 in 2026. This initial pay reflects a considerable gap compared to the local median annual salary of $134,470, suggesting new graduates might need to plan financially for the first few years. However, with experience and skill development, early-career psychologists can expect to grow into the P25 salary of $99,575 within three to five years. Orem's favorable job market shows promise for new graduates, particularly as demand increases amid a projected growth rate of 5.08%. These factors combined indicate that while the starting salaries may seem modest, there are opportunities for substantial advancement in this region.
About the Orem Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($86,130) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orem
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 Orem
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Orem, UT typically start between $77,992 and $99,575 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $130,436 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $134,470 — 27.23% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Utah of $60,000 represents just 76.93% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($77,992/year) in Orem. 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 Orem
- 1Research the Orem market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $77,992 to $99,575, 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 Orem, 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 Orem for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orem'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 Orem is $130,436 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $77,992, experienced hygienists can earn up to $208,428.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$63,244
2025 BLS Actual
$74,222
2026 Current Est.
$77,992
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Orem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $63,244 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,526 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,679 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,006 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,222 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,954 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Orem, UT grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $63,244 in 2021 to $74,222 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $81,954. New graduates entering the Orem job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orem 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 Orem
New graduates can find opportunities in various healthcare settings, primarily through large hospital systems and corporate group practices in Orem, which are known for their structured onboarding programs tailored to new hires. Obtaining state licensure is a primary requirement to enhance early earnings, and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national bodies can further boost starting pay in Utah. Those aiming for an upward trajectory in their first three years should focus on gathering relevant experience and credentials, as compensation can vary widely depending on the employer type, regional market dynamics, and the psychologist’s qualifications. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare field, realistic expectations for salary growth within those first years should align with the structured advancement paths many employers establish, providing a pathway toward more lucrative positions as one enhances their expertise in Orem's evolving market.
More salary data for Orem, 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 Orem. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Orem 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