Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $40.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Laurel, MS runs $40.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,769 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,266 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Laurel, Mississippi, can expect a median hourly pay of $40.28, which is substantially lower than the national median hourly rate of $50.81. This discrepancy indicates the potential for part-time opportunities, especially for those working three days a week, where earnings can significantly impact individual financial situations. The hourly range for these professionals spans from $24.26 at the entry level to $62.43 for top earners, reflecting the varying experiences and specialties among practitioners in clinical settings. While these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they highlight the economic conditions specific to Laurel and the broader context of Mississippi.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($86,140) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.26 | $194.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.48 | $243.87 |
| Median (P50) | $40.28 | $322.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.55 | $412.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.43 | $499.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $40.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.28/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $83,777 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,333. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.09 | $6,981 | $83,777 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.65 | $4,189 | $50,266 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.43 | $2,793 | $33,511 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Laurel) | $40.28 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $83,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $90,561.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.28/hr = $50,266/year (purchasing power: $58,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,777/year (purchasing power: $97,756).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$31.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.28/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Laurel (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Laurel grew 21.9% from $31.44/hr (2021) to $38.33/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.32/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
For those considering a part-time position as a clinical and counseling psychologist, working 24 hours a week could yield approximately $50,270 annually, which differs substantially from a full-time schedule. Alternatively, per diem or agency work may appeal to many professionals due to the potential for higher pay—typically presenting a 10-25% premium over standard W-2 positions. Within Laurel, pay scales can vary widely depending on employer types; private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics each offer their unique compensation structures. Many practitioners might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, particularly in a market where total compensation is a key consideration. As clinical and counseling psychologists negotiate their pay, it's wise to assess the complete package—including benefits—as well as the hourly wage itself, to make the most informed decisions aligned with one’s career goals.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Laurel?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Laurel?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Laurel?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Mississippi
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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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