Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Asheville, NC: $50.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Asheville, NC runs $50.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $104,103 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Asheville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.5, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $62,462 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Asheville, NC, earn a median hourly rate of $50.05, which is slightly below the national median of $50.81. This competitive pay allows for viable opportunities for both part-time and per-diem psychologists, who may work in various clinical settings, including private practices and community health centers. The hourly rates for this profession vary significantly, ranging from $39.87 for entry-level positions to $112.37 for top earners, as noted in the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. Such a spectrum offers flexibility in how professionals can approach their careers, whether by choosing to work three days a week or taking on intermittent, per-diem assignments.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.87 | $318.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.82 | $358.53 |
| Median (P50) | $50.05 | $400.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68.33 | $546.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112.37 | $898.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Asheville
Based on $50.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.05/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Asheville, NC can expect to earn approximately $104,103 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,060. With a cost-of-living index of 96.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Asheville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Asheville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,001.98 | $8,675 | $104,103 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,201.19 | $5,205 | $62,462 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $800.79 | $3,470 | $41,641 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Asheville) | $50.05 |
| 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 Asheville, NC earn a median of $104,103 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.50% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 9.20% above the North Carolina state average of $95,332.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.05/hr = $62,462/year (purchasing power: $64,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $104,103/year (purchasing power: $107,872).
CoL index: 96.506 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$39.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.05/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Asheville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Asheville grew 21.3% from $39.28/hr (2021) to $47.63/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.59/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 Asheville 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 Asheville
Considering part-time work, a clinical and counseling psychologist working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $62,383 annually. This contrasts with their full-time counterparts whose earnings will be significantly higher due to the additional hours worked. Furthermore, per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Asheville often includes a premium of 10-25% over standard W-2 rates, making this an appealing option for those who can manage variable hours. Hourly wages can also differ based on the setting: private practices may offer lower rates compared to large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics. Many psychologists must weigh the benefits of employment, such as health insurance, against potentially higher hourly rates without benefits. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local market and being prepared to discuss the unique value they bring to prospective employers can be vital in securing a satisfying compensation package.
More salary data for Asheville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Asheville in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Asheville?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Asheville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Asheville?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Asheville?
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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 Asheville. 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