Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in New Orleans, LA: $28.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in New Orleans, LA runs $28.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,454 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against New Orleans's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,670 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In New Orleans, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to be $28.58 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $50.81 per hour. This disparity suggests that professionals in the area may face challenges when considering part-time or per-diem opportunities. For example, those working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to earn around $29,000 annually, which may not provide financial stability. The projected hourly pay ranges from $15.15 for entry-level positions to $128.75 for the top 10% of earners. Despite this variation, it’s essential for those in the field to recognize that the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects that competition within the market can affect individual earning potential.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.15 | $121.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.15 | $121.22 |
| Median (P50) | $28.58 | $228.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.57 | $468.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128.75 | $1030.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Orleans
Based on $28.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.58/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Orleans, LA can expect to earn approximately $59,450 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,298. With a cost-of-living index of 92.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in New Orleans.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Orleans
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,143.27 | $4,954 | $59,450 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.96 | $2,973 | $35,670 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.31 | $1,982 | $23,780 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (New Orleans) | $28.58 |
| 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 New Orleans, LA earn a median of $59,454 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.75% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 37.70% below the Louisiana state average of $95,432.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.58/hr = $35,670/year (purchasing power: $38,522).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,450/year (purchasing power: $64,203).
CoL index: 92.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$47.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.58/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-37.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in New Orleans (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $47.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in New Orleans grew -43.3% from $47.96/hr (2021) to $27.20/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.03/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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans
Turning to the nuances of part-time work, a clinical and counseling psychologist engaged for 24 hours per week may find themselves earning comparably less than those committed to full-time roles. Typically, per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in New Orleans can offer an advantageous rate, often running 10-25% higher than standard staff wages. However, working in private practices or specialty clinics might provide lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like healthcare, which some psychologists find worthwhile. Pay can also differ significantly across various employer types, with community health centers typically offering more stability but possibly lower hourly rates compared to large healthcare organizations. For professionals navigating their compensation discussions, it’s advisable to emphasize one’s experience and consider the trade-offs between hourly wages and job security when assessing potential employers in LA.
More salary data for New Orleans, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in New Orleans in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in New Orleans?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in New Orleans paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in New Orleans?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in New Orleans?
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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 New Orleans. 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, 3-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