Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $58.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Chico, CA runs $58.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,569 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chico, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median hourly rate of $58.95 for their services, which notably exceeds the national median of $50.81. This advantageous hourly pay is particularly beneficial for professionals seeking part-time roles or per-diem positions within high-demand clinical settings. Hourly earning potential in Chico ranges from approximately $34.19 at the entry-level (P10) to around $91.37 for those at the top of the pay scale (P90). These numbers are reflective estimates based on annual salary data, providing a clear snapshot of what psychologists in this region can expect for their expertise and support.
About the Chico 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) | $34.19 | $273.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.29 | $346.34 |
| Median (P50) | $58.95 | $471.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.45 | $603.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.37 | $730.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $58.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.95/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $122,616 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,740. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,358.00 | $10,218 | $122,616 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,414.80 | $6,131 | $73,569 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $943.20 | $4,087 | $49,046 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Chico) | $58.95 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $122,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.01% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.10% above the California state average of $122,484.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.95/hr = $73,569/year (purchasing power: $65,048).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,616/year (purchasing power: $108,414).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$39.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.95/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+57.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Chico (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Chico grew 42.4% from $39.40/hr (2021) to $56.10/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.94/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 Chico 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 Chico
Examining part-time opportunities, a clinical and counseling psychologist working three days a week could take home a significant income based on the hourly rate, translating to about $73,395 annually for 24 hours of work per week. Many will find that the per-diem or agency structure can offer rates that are generally 10-25% higher than standard staff positions, enhancing compensation prospects for those willing to forgo traditional employment benefits. In Chico, the disparity in hourly rates also varies widely with employer type; those in private practices might earn different rates compared to psychologists working in large healthcare organizations or community health centers. As you consider potential employment opportunities, be prepared to negotiate your hourly pay, especially if opting for positions that offer additional perks, like health insurance, which may come with a slightly lower hourly rate. Ultimately, understanding these nuances can empower you to make informed career decisions in the clinical and counseling psychology field.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Chico?
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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 Chico. 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 Chico 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