Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Carson, CA: $120,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Carson, CA earns a median $120,101/year (≈ $57.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $106,190 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for a clinical and counseling psychologist in Carson, California, is projected to be $120,101. This figure not only exceeds the national average of $105,689 by approximately 13.64%, but it also reflects the higher cost of living in this region, where the cost of living index stands at 113.1. The salary range for these professionals extends from $69,659 at the 10th percentile to $186,157 for those in the 90th percentile, illustrating the variation in compensation based on experience, specialization, and work setting. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data and take into account adjustments for regional price levels. As such, Carson presents a competitive job market for clinical and counseling psychologists, making it an appealing location for both seasoned professionals and new entrants into the field.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,659 | $33.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,005 | $42.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,101 | $57.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,730 | $73.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $186,157 | $89.50 |
Median Salary Position
13.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,498 (2026 est.). At $120,101, the local median is 13.64% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Carson median: $120,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,552 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +13.64% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Carson, CA earn a median of $120,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.64% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.00% below the California state average of $122,552.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,101 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,190 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$93,761
2025 BLS Actual
$114,295
2026 Current Est.
$120,101
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Carson (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $93,761 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,420 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,295 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,202 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $93,761 (2021) to $114,295 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,202 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,441 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $69,659 – $89,005 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,005 – $120,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,101 – $153,730 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,730 – $186,157 |
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 Carson
Despite the robust annual salary prospects, the local job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Carson is relatively small, with only 21 practitioners currently employed in the area. Consequently, the demand for qualified professionals may outpace supply, influencing potential pay scales. Given the cost-of-living reality, financial planning becomes vital; higher salaries can be offset by increased living expenses. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics generally offer higher pay compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and benefits structure also contribute to the wide pay disparities observed in the field. To maximize earnings in Carson, clinical and counseling psychologists should consider gaining specialized training, pursuing roles in larger organizations, or negotiating benefits that enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $114,295 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Carson 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 Carson 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