Psychologist Pay

Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Cody, WY: $75,913 (2026)

Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,913 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.84% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $79,241 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($130,108) within a few years of clinical practice.

$75,913
Starting Salary
$36.49/hr
Starting Hourly
$75,913
Entry Level
$130,108
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Entry Level Salary in Cody, WY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Cody, WY clinical and counseling psychologist entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Cody, Wyoming offers a competitive starting clinical and counseling psychologist salary for new graduates entering the field in 2026. At the lower end of the pay scale, a newly licensed psychologist can expect a salary around $75,913. This figure represents a significant step towards the city’s median salary of $130,108 and highlights the potential for growth as early-career psychologists establish their reputations and gain experience. Within the first few years, most new graduates can progress to earning approximately $96,667, thanks to the anticipated 5.08% annual growth in the field. With Cody's relatively low cost of living index at 95.8 compared to the national average, the entry-level compensation offers a promising start for those keen on establishing their careers in this vibrant community.

About the Cody Market

Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($122,540) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Cody

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$75,913/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$96,667/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$130,108/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$166,538/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cody

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists in Cody. The median salary is $130,108, compared to the national median of $105,689.$68.3K$104.2K$140.0K$175.9K$211.8K$75.9K10th Pctl$96.7K25th Pctl$130.1KMedian$166.5K75th Pctl$201.7K90th PctlUS Median$105.7K

Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Cody, WY typically start between $75,913 and $96,667 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,754 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $130,10823.1% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in the Cody metro area.

Return on Investment

$50,000
Avg WY Program Cost
$75,913
Starting Salary
65.86%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average psychology program cost in Wyoming of $50,000 represents just 65.86% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($75,913/year) in Cody. 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 Cody

  • 1Research the Cody market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $75,913 to $96,667, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Cody'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 Cody is $125,754 ( 165.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,913, experienced hygienists can earn up to $201,667.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2021 BLS Actual

$61,558

2025 BLS Actual

$72,243

2026 Current Est.

$75,913

2021–2027 Growth

+29.6%

Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Cody (20212027)

2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for clinical and counseling psychologists in Cody. Baseline $61,558 in 2025, projected to $79,769 by 2027.$51.2K$59.6K$67.9K$76.2K$84.5K20212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$61.6K$56.0K$63.9K$65.5K$72.2K$75.9K$79.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2021$61,558Actual
2022$55,993Actual
2023$63,928Actual
2024$65,454Actual
2025$72,243Actual
2026(current)$75,913Estimated
2027$79,769Projected

Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,558 in 2021 to $72,243 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $79,769. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20212025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Cody

In Cody, major employers such as large hospital systems and corporate group practices actively seek entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists. These organizations often provide structured onboarding programs, easing the transition for new graduates into professional environments. To enhance earning potential, acquiring state licensure and pursuing optional advanced certifications can make candidates more attractive in the job market. In the initial 1 to 3 years, new graduates typically see their salaries increase gradually, contingent on the type of employer, geographic demand, and credentials held. This urban context can yield varying compensation—newly minted psychologists in Cody should anticipate realistic salary growth that reflects both competence and market conditions in this region of WY.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Cody in 2026?

Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Cody start at approximately $75,913/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 5.08% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $36.50/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do clinical and counseling psychologist salaries grow in Cody?

Most clinical and counseling psychologists in Cody progress from the entry-level salary of $75,913 to the area median of $130,108 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $201,667 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is psychology school worth it in Cody?

With a starting salary of $75,913/year in Cody and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new clinical and counseling psychologists recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new clinical and counseling psychologists make right out of school in Cody?

New psychology graduates in Cody typically start near the 10th percentile at $75,913/year, or approximately $36.50/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a clinical and counseling psychologist in Wyoming?

To become a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist in Wyoming, you typically need doctoral degree in psychology and a state license to practice are required., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Wyoming, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some clinical and counseling psychologists pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

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MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Wu, PsyD, LCSWData verified by Fatima Khan, PhD, LCPC

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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Cody is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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