Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $60.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a clinical and counseling psychologist working in Seattle, WA runs $60.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $124,979 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $74,986 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Seattle, WA, clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median hourly pay of $60.08, which is significantly above the national median of $50.81. This advantageous hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings for part-time professionals working three days a week, as well as for per-diem roles, often found in clinical settings such as hospitals or private practices. The hourly range for this profession varies notably, starting at $34.84 for entry-level positions and soaring to $93.13 for top earners. These figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the earning potential available to psychologists practicing in a dynamic urban market like Seattle.
About the Seattle 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) | $34.84 | $278.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.26 | $346.09 |
| Median (P50) | $60.08 | $480.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.91 | $615.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.13 | $745.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $60.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.08/hr, a clinical and counseling psychologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $124,976 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,102. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,403.39 | $10,415 | $124,976 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,442.03 | $6,249 | $74,986 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $961.36 | $4,166 | $49,991 |
Compare CCP Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist (Seattle) | $60.08 |
| 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 Seattle, WA earn a median of $124,979 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.25% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 10.10% above the Washington state average of $113,514.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.08/hr = $74,986/year (purchasing power: $69,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $124,976/year (purchasing power: $116,365).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$48.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.08/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Seattle (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $48.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Seattle grew 16.9% from $48.92/hr (2021) to $57.18/hr (2025). At a 5.08% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.14/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 Seattle 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 Seattle
For clinical and counseling psychologists considering part-time opportunities, working 24 hours a week can yield a substantial income, although it will naturally fall short of the figures a full-time practitioner might see. Those in per-diem positions often find their compensation is 10-25% above the hourly rate offered to regular staff, creating an appealing financial incentive despite the absence of benefits. Additionally, hourly rates can differ across employer types; those in private practices may earn less than those employed by larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, where demand and resources align differently. For psychologists in Seattle, making effective negotiations is crucial—understanding one’s worth in this competitive market and carefully weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly wages and associated benefits is essential for long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for clinical and counseling psychologists in Seattle in 2026?
How much do part-time clinical and counseling psychologists make in Seattle?
Are clinical and counseling psychologists in Seattle paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time clinical and counseling psychologist make per year in Seattle?
Do clinical and counseling psychologists earn more per hour working part-time in Seattle?
Related Pages
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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 Seattle. 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 Seattle 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