Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in San Rafael, CA: $124,333 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in San Rafael, CA earns a median $124,333/year (≈ $59.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $109,932 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, clinical and counseling psychologists can expect a median annual salary of $124,333 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $105,689, reflecting a premium of approximately 17.64%. The salary range in this region varies widely from $72,113 at the lower end (P10) to $192,716 at the upper threshold (P90). These projected figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, highlight the financial landscape for professionals in this field. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, practitioners in San Rafael may find their earning potential further enhanced by local economic conditions, indicating a competitive market for skilled psychologists.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,113 | $34.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $89,884 | $43.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $124,333 | $59.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $159,146 | $76.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $192,716 | $92.65 |
Median Salary Position
17.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $120,603 (2026 est.). At $124,333, the local median is 17.64% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $124,333/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,495 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +17.64% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $124,333 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.64% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 1.50% above the California state average of $122,495.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $124,333 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $109,932 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$97,065
2025 BLS Actual
$118,322
2026 Current Est.
$124,333
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in San Rafael (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $97,065 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,029 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,052 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,412 | Actual |
| 2025 | $118,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $124,333 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $130,649 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $97,065 (2021) to $118,322 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $130,649 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,584 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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) | $72,113 – $89,884 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $89,884 – $124,333 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $124,333 – $159,146 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $159,146 – $192,716 |
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 San Rafael
Examining the local job market reveals that there are currently 11 clinical and counseling psychologists employed in San Rafael, indicating a modest workforce in this profession. The elevated cost of living impacts take-home purchasing power, making it crucial for professionals to consider their potential employers carefully. Those seeking higher wages might find enhanced opportunities with larger healthcare organizations or specialty clinics, which often have more resources to allocate for salaries and benefits. Factors such as shift differentials and specialized credentials also contribute to the significant disparities in pay. To maximize earnings in this area, professionals should focus on obtaining relevant certifications, network within their community, and negotiate comprehensively with potential employers to ensure their compensation reflects both market value and personal expertise.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in San Rafael?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in San Rafael?
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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 $118,322 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the San Rafael 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 San Rafael 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