Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Fredericksburg, VA: $52,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Fredericksburg, VA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $52,275 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fredericksburg's local price level (BEA RPP 103.2 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,654 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($90,130) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of clinical and counseling psychology in Fredericksburg, VA can anticipate a starting salary around $52,275 in 2026. This initial pay reflects the entry-level tier for professionals just beginning their careers, presenting a significant gap from the city median of $90,130. However, with a strong growth trajectory, new psychologists can expect to move up to around $69,321 within their first few years as they gain experience and establish themselves in the field. The steady annual growth rate of 5.08% indicates that Fredericksburg is a relatively stable market for new entrants, providing opportunities to build a sustainable career while gradually increasing earning potential.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fredericksburg
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 Fredericksburg
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Fredericksburg, VA typically start between $52,275 and $69,321 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $87,427 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $90,130 — 14.72% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Virginia of $80,000 represents just 153.04% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($52,275/year) in Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg
- 1Research the Fredericksburg market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $52,275 to $69,321, 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 VA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fredericksburg'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 Fredericksburg is $87,427 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $52,275, experienced hygienists can earn up to $139,702.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$42,390
2025 BLS Actual
$49,748
2026 Current Est.
$52,275
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Fredericksburg (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,748 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,931 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fredericksburg, VA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,390 in 2021 to $49,748 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,931. New graduates entering the Fredericksburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
In Fredericksburg, large hospital systems and corporate group practices frequently hire entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists, offering structured onboarding programs designed to support new graduates. To enhance starting salaries, obtaining state licensure along with optional advanced certifications recognized by national professional organizations can be advantageous. In the first few years, compensation can fluctuate based on the type of employer, geographic location, and individuals’ credentials. For new professionals in this field, realistic expectations include incremental salary growth as they accumulate experience and credentials, positioning themselves for the more competitive pay reflected in higher percentiles later in their careers. The path to increased earnings reflects both the demand for psychologists and the commitment to professional development in the local market.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
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 Fredericksburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fredericksburg 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