Entry-Level Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Powell, WY: $74,643 (2026)
Quick Answer:New clinical and counseling psychologists entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,643 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 19-3033, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $77,915 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($125,069) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Powell, WY, has a starting point at $74,643. While this initial pay may appear modest, it's essential to frame it against the median annual salary of $125,069 for the city. New graduates can anticipate a substantial growth trajectory, moving from the starting salary to approximately $94,533 within the first few years. This means that entry-level professionals can expect to work towards the median salary as they gain experience, potentially reaching it in three to five years. Given the competitive compensation structure and the projected 5.08% growth rate in the field, Powell presents a favorable market for those launching their careers in psychology.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($122,540) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists in Powell, WY typically start between $74,643 and $94,533 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $119,215 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $125,069 — 18.34% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average psychology program cost in Wyoming of $50,000 represents just 66.99% of the starting clinical and counseling psychologist pay ($74,643/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist pay ranges from $74,643 to $94,533, 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 Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $119,215 ( 159.71%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,643, experienced hygienists can earn up to $193,858.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$60,528
2025 BLS Actual
$71,034
2026 Current Est.
$74,643
2021–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Powell (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $60,528 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,056 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,858 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,920 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,643 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,434 | Projected |
Entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 17.4% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,528 in 2021 to $71,034 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,434. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
In Powell, large hospital systems and corporate group practices are the primary employers that actively hire new graduates in the clinical and counseling psychology fields. These organizations typically offer structured onboarding processes that help new psychologists acclimate to their roles effectively. To enhance earning potential in Wyoming, obtaining state licensure is fundamental, and pursuing additional certifications endorsed by national organizations can also provide an edge. In the first one to three years, new professionals will find that salary variations largely depend on employer type and geographic factors. As experience builds, realistic expectations should include salary growth aligned with regional trends, where diligent work in a supportive environment can steadily increase earnings and job stability.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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