Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Des Moines, WA: $65,227 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,227 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,733 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($112,462) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the workforce as clinical and counseling psychologists in Des Moines, Washington, the projected starting pay in 2026 is approximately $65,227. This figure illustrates the initial compensation gap when compared to the overall city median salary of $112,462. While entry-level positions may not reflect the higher earning potential of seasoned practitioners, the trajectory for salary growth is promising. Aspiring professionals can expect to progress from the entry-level wage through the 25th percentile (approximately $82,079) and eventually to the median as they gain experience. Considering the anticipated annual growth rate of 5.08%, Des Moines presents an encouraging landscape for new grads looking to establish their careers in psychology.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($105,190) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Des Moines, WA typically start between $65,227 and $82,079 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $109,089 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $112,462 — 6.41% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Washington of $90,000 represents just 137.98% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($65,227/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $65,227 to $82,079, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $109,089 ( 167.25%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,227, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,316.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,893
2025 BLS Actual
$62,074
2026 Current Est.
$65,227
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Des Moines (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,893 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,929 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,074 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,227 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,541 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $52,893 in 2021 to $62,074 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,541. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Several organizations in the Des Moines area are potential employers for new graduates, particularly large hospital systems and established corporate group practices. These institutions often provide structured onboarding programs that can significantly ease the transition from academic training to practical application. Attaining state licensure and engaging in optional advanced certifications can further enhance starting salaries and broaden career prospects in Washington. In the initial years, it’s crucial for new clinical and counseling psychologists to focus on gaining diverse experience across different settings, as compensation can fluctuate based on employer type, geographic location, and specific credentials. Realistically, by the second or third year, one could expect an increase in earnings as they transition into roles with more responsibility and expertise.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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