Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Burlington, VT: $78,589 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Burlington, VT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,589 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 100.9 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,850 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,350) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting positions for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington, Vermont, typically offer salaries around $78,589, which illustrates a tangible gap between entry-level pay and the city’s median annual salary of $89,350. New graduates can expect their earnings to progressively grow within the first few years of their careers, moving from this entry-level mark toward higher tiers, like the 25th percentile salary of $87,500 as they gain experience and refine their skills. This growth trajectory not only reflects an overall demand for mental health services in Burlington but also positions the city as a viable market for fresh graduates to establish their careers in psychology. Given the projected 5.08% annual growth rate in employment opportunities, emerging professionals can find favorable conditions to launch a successful career in this field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington, VT typically start between $78,589 and $87,500 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,275 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,350 — 15.46% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Vermont of $90,000 represents just 114.52% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($78,589/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $78,589 to $87,500, 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 Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington'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 Burlington is $90,275 ( 114.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,589, experienced hygienists can earn up to $168,864.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$47,270
2025 BLS Actual
$74,790
2026 Current Est.
$78,589
2021–2027 Growth
+74.7%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47,270 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,610 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,090 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,140 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,790 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,589 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,582 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, VT grew 58.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,270 in 2021 to $74,790 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,582. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
Employers in Burlington that actively seek new grad clinical and counseling psychologists include large hospital systems and well-structured corporate group practices. These organizations often provide enhanced onboarding processes, which can be especially beneficial for recent graduates entering the workforce. To boost their earning potential, new psychologists should pursue state licensure and consider acquiring advanced certifications recognized nationally, which can significantly elevate their starting pay in Vermont. In the initial stages of their careers, first-year psychologists may find that compensation varies widely based on the type of employer and the geographic landscape. Realistic salary expectations for the first three years might see new professionals moving beyond their starting pay, particularly if they engage in additional certifications and align themselves with institutions that prioritize professional development.
More salary data for Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington in 2026?
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Is psychology school worth it in Burlington?
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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