Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Herndon, VA: $41.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Herndon, VA runs $41.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,723 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Herndon's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Herndon, Virginia, the clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $41.70 in 2026. This figure lags behind the national hourly median of $50.81, reflecting local market conditions. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, this rate translates to a varied income that can accommodate lifestyle choices, while per-diem opportunities might present a chance to earn significantly more on a per-hour basis. The hourly pay range reflects a broad spectrum of experience, starting at $25.84 for entry-level positions and extending to $64.62 for seasoned professionals in the field. These estimates derive from annual salary data, emphasizing the wage potential available as psychologists customize their workloads to fit their personal and professional needs.
About the Herndon Market
Salary estimated from Virginia 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) | $25.84 | $206.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.21 | $257.66 |
| Median (P50) | $41.70 | $333.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.37 | $426.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.62 | $516.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Herndon
Based on $41.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.70/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Herndon, VA can expect to earn approximately $86,727 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,035. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Herndon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Herndon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,667.83 | $7,227 | $86,727 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,000.70 | $4,336 | $52,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.13 | $2,891 | $34,691 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Herndon) | $41.70 |
| 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 Herndon, VA earn a median of $86,723 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.95% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 6.30% below the Virginia state average of $92,553.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.70/hr = $52,036/year (purchasing power: $50,423).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,727/year (purchasing power: $84,038).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$32.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.70/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Herndon (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $32.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Herndon grew 21.9% from $32.55/hr (2021) to $39.68/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.81/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 Herndon 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 Herndon
Examining the earning potential for part-time clinical and counseling psychologists reveals significant differences when considering a 24-hour work week. A three-day schedule results in a take-home income that's notably lower than full-time salaries, making it essential for practitioners to weigh the benefits of part-time flexibility against their financial goals. For those exploring per diem roles, compensation rates typically command a 10-25% premium above standard staff pay, making this option more attractive for those willing to work on an as-needed basis. In Herndon, the employer type greatly influences hourly rates, with private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics offering varying compensation structures. While many may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others seek higher pay without such perks, necessitating smart negotiation strategies. Professionals should advocate for competitive compensation packages, considering the local cost of living and articulating the unique value they bring to prospective employers in the area.
More salary data for Herndon, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Herndon in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Herndon?
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How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Herndon?
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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 Herndon. 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 Herndon 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