Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in South Gate, CA: $120,713 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in South Gate, CA earns a median $120,713/year (≈ $58.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in South Gate's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $106,731 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, the expected compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists reflects the local market conditions and the cost of living, which stands at a relatively higher index of 113.1. With a median annual salary projected at $120,713 for 2026, these professionals earn approximately 14.22% more than the national median of $105,689. The salary range is quite significant, from $70,022 at the lower end (P10) to $187,104 at the higher end (P90), indicating variability within the field based on factors such as experience and specialization. These estimates are drawn from state-level data and regional price adjustments, showcasing the vibrant job opportunities available to licensed psychologists in South Gate.
About the South Gate Market
Salary estimated from California average ($114,520) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,022 | $33.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,545 | $42.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $120,713 | $58.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $154,513 | $74.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $187,104 | $89.96 |
Median Salary Position
14.22% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Gate
In South Gate, CA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,082 (2026 est.). At $120,713, the local median is 14.22% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Gate: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Gate Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
South Gate median: $120,713/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Gate Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $122,551 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +14.22% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in South Gate, CA earn a median of $120,713 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.22% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 1.50% below the California state average of $122,551.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Gate has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Gate, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $120,713 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,731 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$94,238
2025 BLS Actual
$114,877
2026 Current Est.
$120,713
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in South Gate (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $94,238 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,942 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $127,586 | Actual |
| 2025 | $114,877 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,713 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $126,845 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Gate metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $94,238 (2021) to $114,877 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $126,845 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,607 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Gate 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) | $70,022 – $87,545 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,545 – $120,713 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $120,713 – $154,513 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $154,513 – $187,104 |
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 South Gate
The job market in South Gate features around 25 clinical and counseling psychologists, highlighting a growing demand for mental health services. Despite the moderate labor supply, the cost of living impacts take-home pay, and professionals may need to strategize their career paths to maximize earnings potential. Among the highest-paying employers are large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics, where competitive salaries can exceed average pay levels. Variations in salary are often driven by factors such as shift differentials, the specific qualifications held, and the size and benefits structure of the employing organization. To enhance earning capacity, aspiring psychologists may consider furthering their education, acquiring additional certifications, or pursuing roles in areas with increased demand for their specialties within South Gate, CA.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in South Gate, CA in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in South Gate?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in South Gate?
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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 $114,877 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the South Gate 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 South Gate 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