Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Racine, WI: $71,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Racine, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,627 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Racine's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $76,688 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($122,078) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Racine, WI, for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $71,627. When compared to the median annual salary of $122,078 in the area, first-year psychologists face a significant gap as they enter the field. However, the earning potential increases over the initial years; after gaining experience, salaries can rise to approximately $91,442 at the 25th percentile, moving toward the median as professionals develop their skills and build their client bases. With a projected growth rate of 5.08% annually, Racine is a promising market for new graduates who are ready to embark on their careers.
About the Racine Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($92,980) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Racine
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 Racine
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Racine, WI typically start between $71,627 and $91,442 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $117,594 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $122,078 — 15.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Wisconsin of $80,000 represents just 111.69% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($71,627/year) in Racine. 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 Racine
- 1Research the Racine market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $71,627 to $91,442, 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 Racine, 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 Racine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Racine'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 Racine is $117,594 ( 164.18%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,627, experienced hygienists can earn up to $189,221.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$61,860
2025 BLS Actual
$68,164
2026 Current Est.
$71,627
2021–2027 Growth
+21.7%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Racine (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $61,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,410 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,696 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,164 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,265 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Racine, WI grew 10.2% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,860 in 2021 to $68,164 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,265. New graduates entering the Racine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
Employers in Racine that typically hire recent graduates include large hospital systems and established corporate group practices that offer structured onboarding programs. These settings often provide valuable opportunities for entry-level roles alongside experienced psychologists, which can help with mentorship and professional development. For those looking to increase their starting pay in Wisconsin, obtaining state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications recognized by national psychological organizations can be beneficial. In the first few years, realistic expectations for salary growth can be achieved through diligent work and building expertise, particularly as compensation can differ widely based on employer type and geographic market. New graduates should focus on enhancing their credentials and gaining diverse experiences to maximize their earning potential in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
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 Racine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Racine 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