Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Santa Cruz, CA: $118,593 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Santa Cruz, CA earns a median $118,593/year (≈ $57.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Santa Cruz's price level (10% above national, BEA RPP 109.9), that paycheck buys what $107,914 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, California, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in 2026 is $118,593, which reflects an increase from previous years and represents a competitive edge over the national median of $105,689. The salary range for this profession in Santa Cruz is quite broad, starting at $66,326 at the 10th percentile and reaching up to $187,683 at the 90th percentile. This data is derived from the latest available official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, which indicates a healthy market for mental health professionals. While the salary is slightly higher than the California average, it suggests a need for specialized skills and credentials in this dynamic coastal city.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,326 | $31.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,589 | $37.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $118,593 | $57.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,496 | $75.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,683 | $90.23 |
Median Salary Position
12.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $121,357 (2026 est.). At $118,593, the local median is 12.21% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Santa Cruz: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Santa Cruz Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Santa Cruz median: $118,593/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Santa Cruz Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,514 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +12.21% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $118,593 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.21% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 3.20% below the California state average of $122,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Santa Cruz has a cost of living 9.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Santa Cruz, CA has a cost-of-living index of 109.896 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $118,593 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,914 — a 9% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$97,790
2025 BLS Actual
$112,860
2026 Current Est.
$118,593
2021–2027 Growth
+27.4%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Santa Cruz (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $97,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,670 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,593 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,618 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Cruz metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 15.4% from $97,790 (2021) to $112,860 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $124,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,828 (27.43%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Cruz 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) | $66,326 – $78,589 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,589 – $118,593 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $118,593 – $156,496 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,496 – $187,683 |
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 Cruz
The job market in Santa Cruz features approximately 60 clinical and counseling psychologists, indicating a relatively tight pool of professionals relative to demand. The local cost of living index stands at 109.896, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, the higher living expenses impact purchasing power. Among local employers, private practices and large healthcare organizations tend to offer the most lucrative pay, followed by community health centers and specialty clinics. Salary variations can be attributed to several factors, including shift differentials, specialty credentials, employer size, and benefits structures. Professionals seeking to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Santa Cruz CA may consider pursuing advanced certifications and specializing in high-demand areas, as well as exploring positions in larger healthcare settings that offer more comprehensive compensation packages.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, 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 $112,860 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Santa Cruz 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