Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $57.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Merced, CA runs $57.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $119,062 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $71,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merced, California, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to be $57.24 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $50.81 by a significant margin. This higher rate reflects the demand for mental health professionals in the region, making it an attractive option for both full-time and part-time psychologists. For those working three days a week, the potential earnings can vary depending on experience and setting. Entry-level practitioners may start around $33.19 per hour, while top earners can see rates as high as $88.72. These hourly rates, which are derived from annual salary estimates, offer flexibility for professionals considering per-diem positions in clinical settings, allowing for diverse work arrangements that can fit different lifestyles.
About the Merced 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) | $33.19 | $265.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.21 | $329.70 |
| Median (P50) | $57.24 | $457.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.27 | $586.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.72 | $709.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $57.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.24/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $119,053 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $68,684. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,289.48 | $9,921 | $119,053 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,373.69 | $5,953 | $71,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $915.79 | $3,968 | $47,621 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Merced) | $57.24 |
| 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 Merced, CA earn a median of $119,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.65% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.80% below the California state average of $122,492.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.24/hr = $71,432/year (purchasing power: $63,158).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $119,053/year (purchasing power: $105,264).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$44.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$54.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.24/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Merced (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $44.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $48.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $54.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Merced grew 21.9% from $44.68/hr (2021) to $54.47/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.14/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 Merced 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 Merced
Among clinical and counseling psychologists, part-time work could yield an annual income of approximately $44,154 for 24 hours a week, which remains competitive compared to full-time salaries in the field. Furthermore, per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Merced often comes with an added benefit, as agency or locum tenens positions typically offer a 10-25% premium over standard pay rates, appealing to those seeking higher compensation at the cost of stability. Hourly pay can differ based on employer types; psychologists employed in private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, or specialty clinics may find varying compensation structures that reflect their mission and resources. Some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, whereas others prioritize higher pay for flexible hours. Negotiating rates in a competitive market like Merced can also hinge on demonstrating specialized skills or exploring opportunities in high-demand areas.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Merced. 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 Merced 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