Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in San Marcos, CA: $58.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in San Marcos, CA runs $58.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $122,527 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against San Marcos's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,517 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Marcos, California, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay stands at a median of $58.91, considerably above the national hourly median of $50.81. This substantial hourly rate can be quite beneficial for professionals seeking part-time opportunities, such as those looking to work three days a week in various clinical settings. For per-diem roles, which are becoming increasingly popular, this pay structure allows psychologists to earn competitive wages while offering flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for clinical and counseling psychologists in the area spans from $34.16 at entry-level positions to $91.30 for top earners, indicating a wide spectrum of earning potential based on experience and specialization.
About the San Marcos 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) | $34.16 | $273.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.41 | $339.28 |
| Median (P50) | $58.91 | $471.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.41 | $603.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.30 | $730.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Marcos
Based on $58.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.91/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Marcos, CA can expect to earn approximately $122,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,689. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Marcos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Marcos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,356.31 | $10,211 | $122,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,413.79 | $6,126 | $73,517 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $942.53 | $4,084 | $49,011 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (San Marcos) | $58.91 |
| 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 Marcos, CA earn a median of $122,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.93% higher than the national median of $105,689.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.91/hr = $73,517/year (purchasing power: $65,002).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $122,528/year (purchasing power: $108,336).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$45.99/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$56.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.91/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in San Marcos (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $45.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $50.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $56.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in San Marcos grew 21.9% from $45.99/hr (2021) to $56.06/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.90/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 Marcos 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 Marcos
When considering part-time roles, a clinical and counseling psychologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $72,591 annually, a figure that reflects a balanced approach to work-life integration compared to full-time salaries. For those engaging in per diem or agency work, the typical pay often commands a premium of 10-25% over traditional staff positions, making it an attractive option for many. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on employer types, with private practices often offering competitive rates but fewer benefits compared to large healthcare organizations that may pay less but include health insurance and retirement plans. Psychologists need to weigh these trade-offs carefully, as accepting a lower hourly rate could offset some of the financial stability provided by employer-sponsored benefits. For maximizing their potential earnings, professionals should approach salary negotiations thoughtfully, considering both the demand for services in San Marcos and their personal financial needs.
More salary data for San Marcos, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in San Marcos in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in San Marcos?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in San Marcos paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in San Marcos?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in San Marcos?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Marcos. 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 Marcos 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