Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Ames, IA: $45.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Ames, IA runs $45.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,075 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Ames's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,046 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ames, Iowa, the projected median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists is $45.71, which lags behind the national median hourly rate of $50.81. This rate reflects what professionals in the field can expect when working directly with clients in clinical settings. For those considering part-time opportunities, such as a schedule of three days a week, the pay translates to about $3,189 per month before taxes. The hourly range in Ames also provides insights into progression within this field, with entry-level positions starting at $26.51 and top earners achieving $70.84 per hour, blending well with the projected salary outlook for 2026.
About the Ames Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($96,920) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.51 | $212.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.91 | $263.29 |
| Median (P50) | $45.71 | $365.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.51 | $468.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.84 | $566.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ames
Based on $45.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.71/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ames, IA can expect to earn approximately $95,076 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,852. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ames.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ames
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,828.39 | $7,923 | $95,076 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.04 | $4,754 | $57,046 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.36 | $3,169 | $38,031 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Ames) | $45.71 |
| 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 Ames, IA earn a median of $95,075 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.04% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 0.50% below the Iowa state average of $95,553.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.71/hr = $57,046/year (purchasing power: $63,104).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,076/year (purchasing power: $105,173).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$35.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.71/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Ames (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Ames grew 21.9% from $35.68/hr (2021) to $43.50/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.03/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 Ames 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 Ames
Compensation strategies can greatly influence earning potential, especially for part-time workers. A clinical and counseling psychologist working 24 hours a week would typically take home approximately $62,868 annually, significantly less than the earnings of a full-time professional. Moreover, per-diem roles can offer pay rates that exceed standard staff wages by 10-25%, making them an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. In Ames, hourly rates may also differ depending on the employer; private practices might provide lower compensation compared to community health centers and specialty clinics that offer benefits but potentially lower hourly pay. Understanding the trade-offs, such as accepting a position with better health insurance versus a higher hourly rate with no benefits, is essential. For those negotiating in Ames, preparing robust arguments and being informed about local compensation practices can increase the chances of securing preferable terms in your contract as you enter the working world of clinical and counseling psychology.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
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 Ames. 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 Ames 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