Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Syracuse, UT: $58,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Syracuse, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,436 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,568 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($100,752) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Syracuse, Utah, the starting pay is projected to be around $58,436 in 2026, which is a modest entry point compared to the city's median annual salary of $100,752. New graduates can expect their earnings to gradually increase as they gain experience, moving toward the 25th percentile pay of approximately $75,025 in early years. This growth trajectory is promising, especially considering the annual growth rate of 5.08% in the profession. Syracuse appears to be a reasonable market for new entrants, providing ample opportunity to develop critical skills while enhancing earning potential over the first few years of their careers.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($86,130) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Syracuse, UT typically start between $58,436 and $75,025 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $97,730 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $100,752 — 4.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Utah of $60,000 represents just 102.68% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($58,436/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $58,436 to $75,025, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $97,730 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,436, experienced hygienists can earn up to $156,166.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$47,386
2025 BLS Actual
$55,611
2026 Current Est.
$58,436
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Syracuse (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,386 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,102 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,621 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,611 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,405 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, UT grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,386 in 2021 to $55,611 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,405. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
In Syracuse, various employers, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices, actively recruit recent graduates, offering structured onboarding that eases the transition into the professional world. Newly licensed clinical and counseling psychologists who pursue continuing education and optional advanced certifications can significantly enhance their earning potential from the start. It's essential for new psychologists to focus on building their credentials and networking within the community to access higher-paying opportunities. During the first three years in the field, realistic salary growth could see entry-level positions evolve into roles earning around $75,000 or more as professionals advance their skills and take on additional responsibilities. This upward trajectory is not only contingent upon experience but also heavily influenced by the type of employer and geographic considerations within the state of Utah.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Syracuse in 2026?
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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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Syracuse 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