Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Bellingham, WA: $54.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Bellingham, WA runs $54.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Bellingham's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,048 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Bellingham, WA, the projected clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay in 2026 is estimated at $54.53. This rate is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $50.81, indicating a competitive landscape for professionals in this field. For those considering part-time positions—working around three days a week—this translates to a solid income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem arrangements in clinical settings could also benefit workers, as hourly ranges extend from $31.63 for entry-level roles to $84.52 for top earners. While hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect a strong demand for mental health services that often allows psychologists in Bellingham to command impressive pay.
About the Bellingham Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($105,190) adjusted for local cost of living.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.63 | $253.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.26 | $314.06 |
| Median (P50) | $54.53 | $436.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69.79 | $558.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.52 | $676.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellingham
Based on $54.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.53/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellingham, WA can expect to earn approximately $113,414 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,431. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellingham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellingham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,181.04 | $9,451 | $113,414 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,308.62 | $5,671 | $68,048 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $872.42 | $3,780 | $45,366 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Bellingham) | $54.53 |
| 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 Bellingham, WA earn a median of $113,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.31% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $113,527.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.53/hr = $68,048/year (purchasing power: $63,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,414/year (purchasing power: $105,600).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$42.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.53/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bellingham (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $42.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $49.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Bellingham grew 21.9% from $42.57/hr (2021) to $51.89/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.30/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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham
When assessing the financial dynamics for clinical and counseling psychologists in Bellingham, part-time professionals working an average of 24 hours weekly might generate an annual income of around $66,500 or more, depending on their hourly rate. In contrast, those in full-time positions can significantly increase their earnings. Per diem clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Bellingham typically ranges from 10-25% more than regular staff rates, appealing to many within the field looking for flexible work options. Hourly compensation varies widely across employment settings such as large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and private practices, where many practitioners weigh the benefits of higher pay versus comprehensive health insurance offerings. For those seeking roles, understanding how to negotiate effectively can lead to better hourly outcomes in both hourly wage and additional perks.
More salary data for Bellingham, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Bellingham in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Bellingham?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Bellingham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Bellingham?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Bellingham?
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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 Bellingham. 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 Bellingham 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