Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in San Clemente, CA: $58.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in San Clemente, CA runs $58.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against San Clemente's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,124 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median hourly pay for clinical and counseling psychologists in San Clemente, CA, reaches $58.59, reflecting a healthy 15.31% premium over the national hourly median of $50.81. This competitive rate opens opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers, allowing them to earn a substantial income even while working just three days a week in various clinical settings. The hourly range for this profession spans from $33.98 at the entry-level to $90.81 for highly experienced practitioners, indicating a robust earning potential based on credentials and years of service. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, show that skilled psychologists can command significant pay, particularly in a location like San Clemente, where the cost of living and demand for mental health services are notable.
About the San Clemente 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) | $33.98 | $271.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.16 | $345.25 |
| Median (P50) | $58.59 | $468.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.00 | $599.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.81 | $726.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Clemente
Based on $58.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.59/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Clemente, CA can expect to earn approximately $121,873 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,311. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Clemente.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Clemente
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,343.70 | $10,156 | $121,873 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,406.22 | $6,094 | $73,124 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $937.48 | $4,062 | $48,749 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (San Clemente) | $58.59 |
| 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 San Clemente, CA earn a median of $121,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.31% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.60% below the California state average of $122,603.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.59/hr = $73,124/year (purchasing power: $64,654).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,873/year (purchasing power: $107,757).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$45.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.59/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in San Clemente (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in San Clemente grew 21.9% from $45.74/hr (2021) to $55.76/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.57/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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente
Analyzing the earnings potential of clinical and counseling psychologists in San Clemente reveals distinct paths based on work style. For those working three days a week, a clinical and counseling psychologist taking home 24 hours a week can expect a much different annual income compared to full-time employees. Additionally, per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in San Clemente often offers a premium of 10-25% above typical staff wages, making it an attractive option for many professionals seeking flexibility. Different employer types—such as private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics—tend to influence hourly rates, with private practices often offering lower pay but more extensive benefits. Some psychologists may prioritize the security of health insurance and other benefits over higher hourly wages, a trade-off that must be carefully considered. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can be crucial; professionals should come prepared with market data and be ready to highlight their unique qualifications to ensure they receive compensation commensurate with their skills and experience in this vibrant California market.
More salary data for San Clemente, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in San Clemente in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in San Clemente?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in San Clemente paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in San Clemente?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Clemente?
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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 San Clemente. 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 San Clemente 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