Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Buena Park, CA: $59.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Buena Park, CA runs $59.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Buena Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Buena Park, California, clinical and counseling psychologists can expect a median hourly pay of $59.66, which notably exceeds the national median of $50.81. This difference is significant, especially for part-time and per-diem workers who may only work three days a week or select shifts. With such an hourly rate, those working part-time can potentially earn substantial income while maintaining flexibility in their schedules. The hourly pay range for these professionals can vary considerably, from $34.60 for entry-level positions to about $92.48 for those at the top end of the pay scale, reflecting the various skill levels and experience found across the profession.
About the Buena Park 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) | $34.60 | $276.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.00 | $343.99 |
| Median (P50) | $59.66 | $477.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.37 | $610.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.48 | $739.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buena Park
Based on $59.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $59.66/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buena Park, CA can expect to earn approximately $124,102 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $71,597. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Buena Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buena Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,386.58 | $10,342 | $124,102 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,431.95 | $6,205 | $74,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $954.63 | $4,137 | $49,641 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Buena Park) | $59.66 |
| 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 Buena Park, CA earn a median of $124,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.42% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 1.30% above the California state average of $122,507.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $59.66/hr = $74,461/year (purchasing power: $65,837).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,102/year (purchasing power: $109,728).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$46.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$59.66/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Buena Park (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $46.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Buena Park grew 21.9% from $46.58/hr (2021) to $56.78/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $62.70/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 Buena Park 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 Buena Park
For part-time clinical and counseling psychologists working 24 hours a week, the annual income can reach around $74,944, significantly less than a full-time equivalent, underlining the trade-offs associated with part-time status. Those considering per diem roles often find rates that are 10-25% higher than traditional staff positions, a lucrative option for many. However, the variation in hourly rates across different employment settings in Buena Park can be pronounced. Private practices may offer lower hourly rates compared to large healthcare organizations, which can afford to provide additional benefits, such as health insurance. This leads many clinicians to weigh the trade-offs: a higher hourly rate without benefits versus stable employment with comprehensive health coverage. As you consider your options, it might be prudent to negotiate based on the specific context of your employment offer in the area, keeping in mind local market dynamics and the overall compensation package.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Buena Park in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Buena Park?
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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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park 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