Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Barre, VT: $59,899 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Barre, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,899 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Barre's local price level (BEA RPP 103.5 — 4% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,873 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($103,274) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Barre, Vermont, the starting salary can be expected to be around $59,899 in 2026. While this figure may seem modest compared to the median annual salary of $103,274 for the city, it is essential to recognize that entry-level salaries are designed to reflect the early-career growth trajectory. Graduates typically progress from this starting point towards the 25th percentile at $74,388 and potentially reach the median salary within their first three to five years of employment. Barre can be a viable market for new entrants into this profession, offering a range of opportunities that supportive employers create for budding psychologists.
About the Barre Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($95,300) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Barre
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 Barre
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Barre, VT typically start between $59,899 and $74,388 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $100,176 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $103,274 — 2.29% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Vermont of $90,000 represents just 150.25% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($59,899/year) in Barre. 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 Barre
- 1Research the Barre market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $59,899 to $74,388, 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 VT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Barre, 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 Barre for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Barre'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 Barre is $100,176 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,899, experienced hygienists can earn up to $160,075.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$48,572
2025 BLS Actual
$57,003
2026 Current Est.
$59,899
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Barre (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48,572 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,181 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,442 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,011 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,003 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,899 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,942 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Barre, VT grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,572 in 2021 to $57,003 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,942. New graduates entering the Barre job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Barre 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 Barre
Local employers, including large hospital systems and corporate group practices, frequently hire newly licensed clinical and counseling psychologists, providing structured onboarding that eases the transition into professional life. These employers are more inclined to offer competitive entry-level compensation and opportunities for mentorship, which are crucial for professional development. To boost potential earnings in Vermont, candidates should focus on obtaining state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized by national bodies, which can enhance their appeal in the job market. In the critical first few years, salary growth can vary greatly depending on the type of organization, geographic location, and additional credentials, setting realistic expectations for advancement in the field.
More salary data for Barre, VT:
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 Barre. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Barre 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