Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Escondido, CA: $60.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Escondido, CA runs $60.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,577 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Escondido's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,943 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Escondido, California, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median hourly rate of $60.85, significantly higher than the national median of $50.81. This robust hourly rate suggests promising compensation for both part-time and per-diem professionals working in typical settings such as hospitals and private practices. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, the income potential is quite favorable, with entry-level positions starting around $35.30, while more experienced psychologists can command rates as high as $94.32. The salary estimates derived from annual data indicate a healthy market for mental health professionals in Escondido, with a notable range reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization.
About the Escondido 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) | $35.30 | $282.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.82 | $350.55 |
| Median (P50) | $60.85 | $486.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.90 | $623.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.32 | $754.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Escondido
Based on $60.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.85/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Escondido, CA can expect to earn approximately $126,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,022. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Escondido.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Escondido
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,434.07 | $10,548 | $126,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,460.44 | $6,329 | $75,943 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $973.63 | $4,219 | $50,629 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Escondido) | $60.85 |
| 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 Escondido, CA earn a median of $126,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.76% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 3.30% above the California state average of $122,534.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.85/hr = $75,943/year (purchasing power: $67,147).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,572/year (purchasing power: $111,911).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$47.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.85/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Escondido (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $64.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Escondido grew 21.9% from $47.51/hr (2021) to $57.91/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.94/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 Escondido 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 Escondido
When considering the financial implications of part-time work, a clinical and counseling psychologist in Escondido who works 24 hours a week would take home a much lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Escondido often reflects a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 staff positions, enticing some professionals to choose flexible contracts. Hourly wages can also vary significantly depending on whether one is employed by private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics. Some psychologists might accept lower hourly rates from employers offering health insurance benefits, while others prefer higher hourly wages without benefits for the added flexibility. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the nuances of local demand and leveraging one’s qualifications can be key strategies in the Escondido job market.
More salary data for Escondido, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Escondido in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Escondido?
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How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Escondido?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Escondido?
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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 Escondido. 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 Escondido 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