Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $104,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Los Angeles, CA earns a median $104,292/year (≈ $50.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Los Angeles's price level (14% above national, BEA RPP 113.6), that paycheck buys what $91,834 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.9% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, the projected median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists stands at $104,292 for 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $105,689. This disparity highlights a significant gap when considering the cost of living, which is above the national average in this city. The salary range for these professionals varies widely, from $67,461 at the lower end to $190,153 for those in the highest earning brackets. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026 and reflect the local job market, where the demand for qualified individuals continues to grow. Factors influencing this market include the increasing emphasis on mental health and the diverse needs of the population in Los Angeles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,461 | $32.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,043 | $40.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,292 | $50.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $150,086 | $72.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,153 | $91.42 |
Median Salary Position
1.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $122,692 (2026 est.). At $104,292, the local median is 1.32% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Angeles: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Angeles Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Los Angeles median: $104,292/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Angeles Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,552 | -14.90% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -1.32% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $104,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.32% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 14.90% below the California state average of $122,552.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Angeles has a cost of living 13.57% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Angeles, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.566 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $104,292 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,834 — a 11.95% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$125,860
2025 BLS Actual
$99,250
2026 Current Est.
$104,292
2021–2027 Growth
+-12.9%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Los Angeles (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $125,860 | Actual |
| 2022 | $120,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,450 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,590 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Angeles metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew -21.1% from $125,860 (2021) to $99,250 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,590 by 2027 — a total increase of $-16,270 (-12.93%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Angeles 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) | $67,461 – $84,043 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,043 – $104,292 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,292 – $150,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $150,086 – $190,153 |
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 Los Angeles
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Los Angeles employs approximately 4,790 professionals, a substantial figure indicating steady demand in this region. However, the high cost-of-living index of 113.566 puts pressure on take-home purchasing power. Well-paying opportunities exist in private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialized clinics, making them more favorable employers compared to community health centers. Differences in compensation are driven by factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the size of the employing organization. To maximize earnings within this competitive market, professionals should consider obtaining additional certifications, diversifying their skill sets, and targeting employers known for better pay structures and comprehensive benefits. Understanding the nuances of compensation can help you strategically navigate your future in clinical and counseling psychology in Los Angeles, CA.
More salary data for Los Angeles, 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 $99,250 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Los Angeles 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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