Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in El Cajon, CA: $58.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in El Cajon, CA runs $58.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,903 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against El Cajon's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,137 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In El Cajon, California, the median hourly pay for clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to be $58.60 in 2026, which is a substantial increase when compared to the national hourly median of $50.81. This pay scale opens up various opportunities for both part-time practitioners and per-diem workers. For those working a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, this hourly wage provides a strong base for balancing professional and personal commitments. Entry-level psychologists can expect to earn around $33.99 per hour, while top earners in the field can make as much as $90.84 hourly, reflecting a broad compensation range that accommodates various experience levels and settings. It's essential to note that these hourly rates are extrapolated from annual salary data, illustrating the lucrative nature of this profession within the region.
About the El Cajon 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) | $33.99 | $271.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.20 | $337.60 |
| Median (P50) | $58.60 | $468.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.02 | $600.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.84 | $726.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Cajon
Based on $58.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.60/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Cajon, CA can expect to earn approximately $121,894 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,324. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in El Cajon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Cajon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,344.12 | $10,158 | $121,894 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,406.47 | $6,095 | $73,137 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $937.65 | $4,063 | $48,758 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (El Cajon) | $58.60 |
| 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 El Cajon, CA earn a median of $121,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.34% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.50% below the California state average of $122,516.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.60/hr = $73,137/year (purchasing power: $64,666).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,894/year (purchasing power: $107,776).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$45.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.60/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in El Cajon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in El Cajon grew 21.9% from $45.75/hr (2021) to $55.77/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.58/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 El Cajon 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 El Cajon
Prospective clinical and counseling psychologists in El Cajon should consider the implications of part-time versus full-time employment on their annual earnings. Those opting for a 3-day workweek, totaling approximately 24 hours, while earning $58.60 per hour could expect an annual income around $72,000, compared to figures for full-time labor, which can exceed $121,903 annually. Additionally, per-diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in El Cajon generally runs 10-25% higher than regular W-2 staff pay, providing flexibility and often higher compensation. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the type of employer; private practices may offer lower rates compared to larger healthcare organizations or community health centers, which might provide benefits that are attractive to many professionals. When negotiating pay, it is prudent for psychologists to weigh the importance of benefits against hourly rates, understanding compensation can include health insurance and retirement plans. Being aware of the market conditions and typical hourly rates can empower professionals to advocate effectively for their worth in this vibrant job market.
More salary data for El Cajon, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in El Cajon in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in El Cajon?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in El Cajon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in El Cajon?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in El Cajon?
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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 El Cajon. 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 El Cajon 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