Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Redmond, WA: $65,775 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Redmond, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,775 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,243 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,404) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates pursuing a career as clinical and counseling psychologists in Redmond, Washington, the starting pay in 2026 is projected at $65,775. This figure represents a significant entry-level salary gap when compared to the overall city median of $113,404, highlighting the financial growth potential in this profession. Typically, entry-level positions offer a pathway to increased earnings, with opportunities to advance to the 25th percentile at $81,651 within the first few years. With Redmond’s favorable job market for mental health professionals and a growth trajectory of 5.08% annually, new grads can expect to see meaningful salary increases as they gain experience and develop their professional skills.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($105,190) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Redmond, WA typically start between $65,775 and $81,651 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $110,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,404 — 7.3% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Washington of $90,000 represents just 136.83% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($65,775/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $65,775 to $81,651, 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 Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $110,002 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,775, experienced hygienists can earn up to $175,777.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$53,337
2025 BLS Actual
$62,595
2026 Current Est.
$65,775
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Redmond (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $53,337 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,390 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,464 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,595 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,775 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,116 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, WA grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,337 in 2021 to $62,595 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $69,116. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
Local employers, such as large hospital systems and established corporate group practices in Redmond, are often the most likely to hire early-career clinical and counseling psychologists. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding processes that help new hires transition smoothly into their roles. To maximize starting salaries, candidates should pursue state licensure promptly and consider obtaining advanced certifications recognized nationally within the field. In the first three years of employment, many new professionals will see salary increases that reflect their credential mix and the specific demands of their employer. The range of compensation can vary greatly based on factors such as employer type and geographic location, making strategic career planning essential for optimizing earning potential in Washington.
More salary data for Redmond, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Redmond in 2026?
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Is psychology school worth it in Redmond?
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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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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