Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Lake Elsinore, CA: $122,168 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Lake Elsinore, CA earns a median $122,168/year (≈ $58.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Lake Elsinore's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $108,018 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Elsinore, California, clinical and counseling psychologists can expect a competitive salary, with a projected median annual income of $122,168 in 2026. This figure exceeds the national median of $105,689, reflecting the city's unique economic dynamics. The salary range for these professionals is notable, extending from $70,858 at the 10th percentile to a top end of $189,360 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, suggest a healthy job market for psychologists, albeit with only 18 employed in the area, indicating potential saturation.
About the Lake Elsinore Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,858 | $34.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,961 | $42.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,168 | $58.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,375 | $75.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,360 | $91.04 |
Median Salary Position
15.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lake Elsinore
In Lake Elsinore, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,502 (2026 est.). At $122,168, the local median is 15.59% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lake Elsinore: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lake Elsinore Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Lake Elsinore median: $122,168/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lake Elsinore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,536 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +15.59% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Lake Elsinore, CA earn a median of $122,168 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.59% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.30% below the California state average of $122,536.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lake Elsinore has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lake Elsinore, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,168 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,018 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$95,375
2025 BLS Actual
$116,262
2026 Current Est.
$122,168
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Lake Elsinore (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $95,375 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,183 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,083 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,124 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,168 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,374 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lake Elsinore metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $95,375 (2021) to $116,262 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,374 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,999 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lake Elsinore 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) | $70,858 – $87,961 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,961 – $122,168 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,168 – $156,375 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,375 – $189,360 |
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 Lake Elsinore
The employment landscape for clinical and counseling psychologists in Lake Elsinore demonstrates strengths and challenges. The local cost of living, represented by a 113.1 index, suggests that salaries need to be carefully evaluated against living expenses, impacting take-home purchasing power. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics may offer the highest pay, whereas community health centers and smaller private practices might have tighter budgets. Factors such as shift differentials and specific credential requirements also contribute to the variations in compensation. To maximize earnings in this market, professionals should consider diversifying their skill set, pursuing further specialization, and targeting employers who demonstrate a commitment to higher salary structures and robust benefits.
More salary data for Lake Elsinore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Lake Elsinore, CA in 2026?
Is Lake Elsinore, CA a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Lake Elsinore?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Lake Elsinore?
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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 $116,262 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Lake Elsinore 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 Lake Elsinore 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