Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Vestavia Hills, AL: $89,188 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Vestavia Hills, AL earns a median $89,188/year (≈ $42.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Vestavia Hills's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $101,465 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, stands at $89,188. This figure falls short of the national median of $105,689, highlighting a gap that may impact local professionals. Salaries in the area range widely, with the lowest 10% earning around $51,729 and the highest 90% reaching up to $138,241. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, indicate a competitive salary potential based on experience and specialization. Given the modest number of clinical and counseling psychologists employed in Vestavia Hills, the local job market offers unique advantages for those entering or advancing in this field.
About the Vestavia Hills Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($100,320) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,729 | $24.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,101 | $31.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,188 | $42.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,160 | $54.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,241 | $66.46 |
Median Salary Position
15.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vestavia Hills
In Vestavia Hills, AL, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,512 (2026 est.). At $89,188, the local median is 15.61% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vestavia Hills: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vestavia Hills Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Vestavia Hills median: $89,188/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vestavia Hills Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $92,904 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -15.61% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Vestavia Hills, AL earn a median of $89,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.61% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 4.00% below the Alabama state average of $92,904.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vestavia Hills has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vestavia Hills, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $89,188 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,465 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$69,627
2025 BLS Actual
$84,876
2026 Current Est.
$89,188
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Vestavia Hills (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $69,627 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,058 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,095 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,657 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,188 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,718 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vestavia Hills metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $69,627 (2021) to $84,876 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,718 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,091 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vestavia Hills 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,729 – $65,101 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,101 – $89,188 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,188 – $114,160 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,160 – $138,241 |
CCP salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual clinical and counseling psychologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Job Market in Vestavia Hills
With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, Vestavia Hills presents a favorable economic environment, further influencing the take-home purchasing power of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Vestavia Hills AL. Currently, there are only eight clinical and counseling psychologists working in the area, emphasizing a relatively tight job market. Those looking to maximize their compensation should consider employment with larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, as these entities often provide better salary packages and benefits compared to private practices or community health centers. Factors driving the disparity between lower and higher-paid positions typically include shift differentials, specialty certifications, and employer size. Aspiring professionals should enhance their credentials and be open to negotiating compensation packages that include comprehensive benefits, thus ensuring both immediate financial gain and long-term career satisfaction.
More salary data for Vestavia Hills, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Vestavia Hills, AL in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Vestavia Hills?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $84,876 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Vestavia Hills metropolitan area. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vestavia Hills 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