Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Berkeley, CA: $59.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Berkeley, CA runs $59.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $123,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Berkeley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,806 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Berkeley, California, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay for 2026 is projected to be $59.14, significantly above the national median of $50.81. This elevated rate reflects the cost of living in the region, providing a solid earning potential for professionals in this field, particularly those working part-time or in per-diem capacities. For instance, psychologists working three days a week can earn a substantial income while enjoying a more flexible work schedule. The hourly range for clinical and counseling psychologists spans from $34.30 for entry-level positions to $91.66 for top earners, highlighting the potential for financial growth as one gains experience and expertise in various clinical settings throughout Berkeley.
About the Berkeley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.30 | $274.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.66 | $349.29 |
| Median (P50) | $59.14 | $473.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.69 | $605.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.66 | $733.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Berkeley
Based on $59.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.14/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Berkeley, CA can expect to earn approximately $123,009 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,967. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Berkeley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Berkeley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,365.56 | $10,251 | $123,009 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,419.34 | $6,150 | $73,806 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $946.22 | $4,100 | $49,204 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Berkeley) | $59.14 |
| 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 Berkeley, CA earn a median of $123,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.38% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.40% above the California state average of $122,512.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.14/hr = $73,806/year (purchasing power: $65,257).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $123,009/year (purchasing power: $108,761).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$46.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.14/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Berkeley (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Berkeley grew 21.9% from $46.17/hr (2021) to $56.28/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.14/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 Berkeley 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 Berkeley
Exploring the dynamics of compensation, part-time clinical and counseling psychologists in Berkeley earning a typical hourly rate can accumulate a sizable income over time. For example, working just 24 hours a week may yield annual earnings that are competitive with those of full-time professionals, illustrating the appeal of part-time roles for many in the field. Additionally, per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Berkeley often includes a premium of 10-25% over standard staff compensation, making it an attractive option for specialists looking for flexibility. However, hourly rates can differ significantly based on employer types; private practices may offer different compensation structures compared to large healthcare organizations or community health centers. Those opting for higher hourly wages in agency roles may miss out on comprehensive benefits like health insurance, prompting professionals to weigh their options carefully. For effective negotiations in Berkeley, psychologists may want to consider the overall benefits package rather than focusing solely on hourly pay, ensuring that their final decision aligns with their financial and personal goals.
More salary data for Berkeley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Berkeley in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Berkeley?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Berkeley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Berkeley?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Berkeley?
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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 Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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