Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Franklin, WI: $70,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Franklin, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $70,866 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $75,874 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($118,950) 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 Franklin, Wisconsin, expectations for starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary levels are essential for career planning. In 2026, entry-level professionals can anticipate a starting salary near $70,866, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $118,950. This creates a significant gap that new grads must keep in mind as they launch their careers, with realistic growth projections allowing for a rise to approximately $87,022 after gaining experience, and potential movement toward the median salary over the first few years. Given the economic landscape and projected 5.08% annual growth rate, Franklin appears to be a moderately favorable market for novice psychologists aiming to establish their careers, although new entrants must be prepared for a gradual increase in compensation as they gain experience.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,980) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
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 Franklin
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Franklin, WI typically start between $70,866 and $87,022 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $113,505 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $118,950 — 12.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Wisconsin of $80,000 represents just 112.89% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($70,866/year) in Franklin. 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 Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $70,866 to $87,022, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, 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 Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average 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 Franklin is $113,505 ( 160.17%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $70,866, experienced hygienists can earn up to $184,371.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$57,465
2025 BLS Actual
$67,440
2026 Current Est.
$70,866
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Franklin (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $57,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,678 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,422 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,440 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,466 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, WI grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,465 in 2021 to $67,440 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $74,466. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 Franklin
Many employers in Franklin hire freshly licensed clinical and counseling psychologists, particularly large hospital systems and corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These settings are often more inclined to support new professionals by providing mentorship opportunities and exposure to various client populations. To enhance initial earning potential, new graduates should consider obtaining state licensure plus optional advanced certifications recognized by the profession's national body, as these credentials can open doors and increase their starting wages. Compensation can vary significantly based on the type of employer and the psychologist's skill set, and early-career professionals should strategize their first few years accordingly. Realistically, one can expect modest salary growth during the first few years as they establish themselves in the field, potentially increasing their earnings as they transition from entry-level roles toward more senior positions in Franklin's healthcare environment.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Franklin in 2026?
How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Franklin?
Is psychology school worth it in Franklin?
What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Franklin?
How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Wisconsin?
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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 Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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