Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $49.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Atlanta, GA runs $49.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,022 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,216 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, clinical and counseling psychologists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $49.05, which is slightly below the national median of $50.81. This hourly pay structure provides flexibility for those who choose to work part-time or on a per-diem basis, often filling roles in clinical settings such as hospitals and private practices. For part-time psychologists working three days a week, averaging about 24 hours, this pay translates to a sustainable income, especially when considering the range from $9.77 at the entry level to $104.10 for top earners in the field. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2026 projections, reveal a dynamic salary framework for professionals navigating their career paths in Georgia.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $9.77 | $78.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.03 | $216.21 |
| Median (P50) | $49.05 | $392.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.61 | $644.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.10 | $832.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $49.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.05/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $102,027 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,862. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,962.05 | $8,502 | $102,027 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,177.23 | $5,101 | $61,216 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.82 | $3,401 | $40,811 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Atlanta) | $49.05 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $102,022 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.47% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.70% above the Georgia state average of $98,382.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.05/hr = $61,216/year (purchasing power: $61,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,027/year (purchasing power: $101,968).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$30.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+71.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Atlanta (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Atlanta grew 55.4% from $30.03/hr (2021) to $46.68/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.54/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
When analyzing the earning potential for clinical and counseling psychologists in Atlanta, it's essential to consider how part-time positions compare to full-time work. A psychologist working three days a week can anticipate an annual income that is significantly reduced relative to their full-time peers, which can be advantageous for those valuing work-life balance. For professionals exploring per-diem roles or agency positions, they might find that compensation rates can command a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 pay, offering a more lucrative hourly rate. Employer types also play a significant role; psychologists employed by large healthcare organizations might earn less on an hourly basis compared to those in private practice, who may offer more flexibility with higher rates. Furthermore, psychologists often face trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance. It's crucial to understand these factors when negotiating pay; knowing local trends and articulating the value of unique skills can help professionals secure competitive compensation.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Atlanta in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Atlanta?
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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 Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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