Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Santa Clarita, CA: $125,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Santa Clarita, CA earns a median $125,206/year (≈ $60.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Santa Clarita's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $110,704 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Santa Clarita, CA, see a compelling median annual salary of $125,206, representing an 18.47% increase over the projected national median of $105,689. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $72,620, while the most experienced can command up to $194,069 annually. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost-of-living variations. Given the city's cost of living index of 113.1, these salaries reflect a strong purchasing power that supports a vital job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Santa Clarita.
About the Santa Clarita Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,620 | $34.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,845 | $43.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,206 | $60.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $160,264 | $77.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $194,069 | $93.30 |
Median Salary Position
18.47% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Clarita
In Santa Clarita, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,449 (2026 est.). At $125,206, the local median is 18.47% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Clarita: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Clarita Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Santa Clarita median: $125,206/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Clarita Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,511 | +2.20% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +18.47% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Santa Clarita, CA earn a median of $125,206 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.47% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.20% above the California state average of $122,511.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Clarita has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Clarita, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,206 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,704 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$97,746
2025 BLS Actual
$119,153
2026 Current Est.
$125,206
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Santa Clarita (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $97,746 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,773 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,846 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,335 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,566 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Clarita metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $97,746 (2021) to $119,153 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,820 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Clarita 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) | $72,620 – $90,845 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,845 – $125,206 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,206 – $160,264 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $160,264 – $194,069 |
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 Santa Clarita
With 41 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in the area, Santa Clarita's market supports various salary levels based on factors such as employer type and professional credentials. Typically, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries, driven by their ability to allocate greater resources. In contrast, private practices may have more limited budgets, affecting compensation despite potentially lower overhead costs. This local cost-of-living reality emphasizes the importance of considering operational expenses when evaluating job offers. Clinicians aiming to maximize their pay in Santa Clarita should focus on obtaining specialized certifications and pursuing roles in larger institutions, as these factors often translate to higher salary opportunities and enhanced benefits.
More salary data for Santa Clarita, 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 $119,153 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita 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