Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Denver, CO: $114,810 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Denver, CO earns a median $114,810/year (≈ $55.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Denver's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 105.8), that paycheck buys what $108,535 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% above the Colorado state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, clinical and counseling psychologists can expect a median annual salary of $114,810, which reflects a premium compared to the national average of $105,689. The salary range for this profession spans from $49,251 at the lower end to $159,858 at the higher end, illustrating the diverse earning potential based on experience, specialization, and the type of employer. These figures are drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for 2025, projected to 2026, indicating a strong job market for mental health professionals in the area, particularly as demand for services continues to rise. With a growth rate of 5.08% over the next five years, the employment outlook for clinical and counseling psychologists in Denver CO remains promising.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,251 | $23.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,626 | $39.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,810 | $55.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $132,348 | $63.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,858 | $76.86 |
Median Salary Position
8.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Denver
In Denver, CO, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $110,607 (2026 est.). At $114,810, the local median is 8.63% above the national median of $105,689.
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At 40 hours/week in Denver: You'd be above the median
How Denver Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Denver median: $114,810/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Denver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $110,928 | +3.50% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +8.63% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Denver, CO earn a median of $114,810 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.63% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 3.50% above the Colorado state average of $110,928.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Denver has a cost of living 5.78% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Denver, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105.782 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,810 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $108,535 — a 5.47% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$98,680
2025 BLS Actual
$109,260
2026 Current Est.
$114,810
2021–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Denver (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $98,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,100 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,810 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,643 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Denver metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 10.7% from $98,680 (2021) to $109,260 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,643 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,963 (22.26%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Denver 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) | $49,251 – $81,626 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,626 – $114,810 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,810 – $132,348 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $132,348 – $159,858 |
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 Denver
The actual take-home pay for clinical and counseling psychologists will be influenced by the higher cost of living in Denver, which has a cost of living index of 105.782, slightly above the national average. This reality may prompt professionals to carefully evaluate employment opportunities. Large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often offer higher compensation packages than community health centers or smaller private practices, particularly for psychologists with in-demand credentials like neuropsychology or specialized therapy practices. Factors such as shift differentials and comprehensive benefits can further widen the pay gap within this profession. For those seeking to enhance their earnings, pursuing advanced certifications or aligning with larger, more established institutions may provide the best pathway to maximizing their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Denver.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
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 $109,260 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Denver 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