Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Buffalo, NY: $53.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Buffalo, NY runs $53.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,847 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Buffalo's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.8, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,117 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Buffalo, NY, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to be $53.78 in 2026, which surpasses the national median of $50.81 per hour. This difference can be particularly advantageous for part-time psychologists who work about three days a week, as they can still earn a competitive rate while balancing other commitments. Hourly earnings in this field vary widely, ranging from $33.14 at the lower end to $77.93 for those at the top of the pay scale. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reflects these insights, emphasizing the profession's viability in Buffalo's health sector and its rewarding nature for practitioners at different experience levels.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.14 | $265.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.03 | $336.26 |
| Median (P50) | $53.78 | $430.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.07 | $520.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.93 | $623.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Buffalo
Based on $53.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.78/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Buffalo, NY can expect to earn approximately $111,862 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,536. With a cost-of-living index of 95.84 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Buffalo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Buffalo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,151.20 | $9,322 | $111,862 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,290.72 | $5,593 | $67,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $860.48 | $3,729 | $44,745 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Buffalo) | $53.78 |
| 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 Buffalo, NY earn a median of $111,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.83% higher than the national median of $105,689.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.78/hr = $67,117/year (purchasing power: $70,028).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,862/year (purchasing power: $116,713).
CoL index: 95.844 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$50.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.78/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+12.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Buffalo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $50.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Buffalo grew 1.8% from $50.28/hr (2021) to $51.18/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.51/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 Buffalo 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 Buffalo
When looking into the earning potential for a clinical and counseling psychologist in Buffalo, a part-time professional working 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $67,000 annually, compared to full-time colleagues earning substantially more. Per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay tends to attract many in this profession, often offering rates that are 10-25% higher than standard staff compensation. The type of employer also influences pay rates significantly; psychologists in private practice, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialized clinics may experience varied compensation structures. While some may choose lower hourly rates for the benefits and stability of full-time work, others are drawn to freelance roles for the independence they provide. Negotiating effectively for hourly pay in Buffalo can be key, focusing on the specific employer's compensation framework while advocating for one’s qualifications and experience.
More salary data for Buffalo, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Buffalo in 2026?
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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 Buffalo. 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