Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Redwood City, CA: $119,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Redwood City, CA earns a median $119,868/year (≈ $57.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Redwood City's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $105,984 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Redwood City, CA, is projected at $119,868, which is notably higher than the national median of $105,689, reflecting a 13.42% premium. This local figure represents a salary range from $69,523 at the 10th percentile to $185,795 for the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional economic factors, showcasing Redwood City's competitive market for mental health professionals. With the area's demand for psychological services, there exists a promising job prospect for those entering this field.
About the Redwood City Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,523 | $33.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,305 | $41.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $119,868 | $57.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $153,430 | $73.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $185,795 | $89.33 |
Median Salary Position
13.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Redwood City
In Redwood City, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $116,272 (2026 est.). At $119,868, the local median is 13.42% above the national median of $105,689.
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At 40 hours/week in Redwood City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Redwood City Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Redwood City median: $119,868/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Redwood City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,564 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +13.42% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Redwood City, CA earn a median of $119,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.42% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.20% below the California state average of $122,564.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Redwood City has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Redwood City, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $119,868 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,984 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$93,579
2025 BLS Actual
$114,073
2026 Current Est.
$119,868
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Redwood City (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $93,579 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,992 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,957 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Redwood City metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $93,579 (2021) to $114,073 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $125,957 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,378 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redwood City 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) | $69,523 – $86,305 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,305 – $119,868 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $119,868 – $153,430 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $153,430 – $185,795 |
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 Redwood City
Currently, Redwood City employs 13 clinical and counseling psychologists, highlighting both a niche market and potential growth opportunities. The cost-of-living index in the region is 113.1, indicating higher living expenses that can affect disposable income. Among local employers, private practices and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive wages, often influenced by the size of the employer and the specific services they provide. Factors such as shift differentials, specialized credentials, and comprehensive benefits also account for the substantial variance between lower and higher salaries. For those aiming to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Redwood City, pursuing additional certifications and networking with local healthcare entities could yield favorable results in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Redwood City, 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 $114,073 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Redwood City 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 Redwood City 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