Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Vestavia Hills, AL: $42.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Vestavia Hills, AL runs $42.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,188 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Vestavia Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,518 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Vestavia Hills, Alabama, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to be $42.88 in 2026. This figure falls short of the national hourly median of $50.81, indicating that local rates may be influenced by factors such as the state’s cost of living index, which stands at 87.9. For part-time professionals working three days a week, typically 24 hours, the pay translates to approximately $1,028 bi-weekly. With an hourly range stretching from $24.87 (entry-level) to $66.46 (top earners), the variation provides opportunities for both newly licensed psychologists and seasoned practitioners. It’s crucial to understand that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates and can reflect fluctuations based on demand and local economic conditions.
About the Vestavia Hills Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($100,320) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.87 | $198.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.30 | $250.43 |
| Median (P50) | $42.88 | $343.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.88 | $439.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.46 | $531.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vestavia Hills
Based on $42.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.88/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vestavia Hills, AL can expect to earn approximately $89,197 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,460. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Vestavia Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vestavia Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,715.33 | $7,433 | $89,197 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,029.20 | $4,460 | $53,518 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $686.13 | $2,973 | $35,679 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Vestavia Hills) | $42.88 |
| School Psychologist (National Avg) | $41.79 |
| Psychiatrist (National Avg) | $116.00 |
| Mental Health Counselor (National Avg) | $28.16 |
| Clinical Social Worker (Mental Health & Substance Abuse) (National Avg) | $30.99 |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $89,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.61% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $92,904.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.88/hr = $53,518/year (purchasing power: $60,885).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,197/year (purchasing power: $101,475).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$33.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.88/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Vestavia Hills (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $33.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Vestavia Hills grew 21.9% from $33.48/hr (2021) to $40.81/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.06/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem clinical and counseling psychologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vestavia Hills 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.
Working as an Hourly Clinical and Counseling Psychologist in Vestavia Hills
Considering the earnings potential for a 3-day workweek, a part-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Vestavia Hills may realize an annual income considerably less than a full-time colleague, but with greater flexibility. Per-diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in the area often comes with a premium—typically between 10-25% over standard staff compensation—making it an attractive option for those willing to work flexibly. Hourly rates can differ significantly across various employer types; private practices may offer competitive pay, while large healthcare organizations and community health centers often provide benefits that justify a slightly lower hourly rate. Negotiation tips for practitioners in Vestavia Hills include emphasizing specialized credentials or experience to improve pay offers. Ultimately, the decision to prioritize higher hourly wages or full-time roles with benefits should reflect both personal and professional goals.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Vestavia Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Vestavia Hills?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Vestavia Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Vestavia Hills?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Vestavia Hills?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for clinical and counseling psychologists in Vestavia Hills. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vestavia Hills 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