Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $57.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $57.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $118,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to be $57.21 in 2026, which is significantly above the national median hourly rate of $50.81. This elevated hourly compensation reflects the higher demand and cost of living in California. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week, for instance, can still yield a substantial income. Entry-level psychologists may start around $33.17 per hour, while top earners can command up to $88.67. Positions in clinical settings, such as hospitals or private practices, tend to offer competitive pay that capitalizes on the skills and credentials of licensed professionals. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary data, provide insight into the financial landscape for clinical and counseling psychologists in Laguna Niguel, CA.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $33.17 | $265.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.76 | $334.07 |
| Median (P50) | $57.21 | $457.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.22 | $585.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.67 | $709.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $57.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.21/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $118,988 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,647. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,288.22 | $9,916 | $118,988 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,372.93 | $5,949 | $71,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $915.29 | $3,966 | $47,595 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Laguna Niguel) | $57.21 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $118,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.58% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.90% below the California state average of $122,538.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.21/hr = $71,393/year (purchasing power: $63,123).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $118,988/year (purchasing power: $105,206).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$44.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.21/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Laguna Niguel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Laguna Niguel grew 21.9% from $44.66/hr (2021) to $54.44/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.11/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Evaluating the potential earnings for part-time clinical and counseling psychologists in Laguna Niguel reveals that professionals working just 24 hours a week can still achieve a commendable annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. In the realm of per diem work, rates can exceed the standard hourly pay by 10-25%, making per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Laguna Niguel appealing for those seeking flexible arrangements. However, hourly wages can vary greatly depending on the type of employer; psychologists in private practice may earn differently than those in larger healthcare organizations or community health centers. Some professionals might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which is a critical consideration for many in the field. When negotiating pay, it's advisable to consider not just the hourly figure, but also the total employment package, including benefits that can impact long-term financial stability.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Laguna Niguel?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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