Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Connecticut: $114,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Connecticut's 29 metropolitan areas, the average median clinical and counseling psychologist pay sits at $114,248/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 19-3033. Because Connecticut sits at BEA RPP 107.9 (8% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $105,883 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bridgeport ($116,470), Stamford ($114,909), Danbury ($114,033).
As of 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Connecticut can expect an average median salary of $114,247, which is 8.1% higher than the national median of $105,689. Salary variation exists across the state, with Bridgeport offering the highest pay at $122,387, while Waterbury provides the lowest at $105,731. This difference may be attributed to factors such as the cost of living in metropolitan areas, local demand for mental health services, and the availability of job opportunities. In Connecticut, psychologists must navigate specific state licensing requirements and ensure compliance with scope of practice laws, influencing salary potential and job responsibilities. The industry is bolstered by a growing awareness of mental health needs, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 5.08% in the employment of psychologists. The top cities for compensation include Stamford at $120,746, Danbury at $119,826, Hartford at $117,368, and New Haven at $115,956, reflecting local economic conditions and service demands. With 529 clinical and counseling psychologists employed statewide, the job market indicates solid prospective growth, driven by increasing advocacy for mental health resources and evolving service delivery models.
Connecticut Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Connecticut: $62,593 (lowest entry-level) to $245,425 (highest top earner)
Connecticut vs National Average
Connecticut clinical and counseling psychologists earn 8.10% more than the national median (+$8,559/year difference).
Connecticut Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salaries in Connecticut range from $70,402 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $183,028 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $114,248. The Connecticut median is $8,559 above the US national median of $105,689. The average hourly rate is $54.93/hr. Approximately 529 clinical and counseling psychologists are employed across 29 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$107,201
2025 BLS Actual
$108,724
2026 Current Est.
$114,248
2021–2027 Growth
+12.0%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Connecticut (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $107,201 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,263 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,724 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,051 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Connecticut metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 1.4% from $107,201 (2021) to $108,724 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,850 (11.99%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Connecticut 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Connecticut
Lowest Paying Cities in Connecticut
Best Value Cities for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Connecticut
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Connecticut cities offer the most purchasing power for clinical and counseling psychologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport | $122,387 | 106.864 | $114,526 |
| Stamford | $120,746 | 107.9 | $111,905 |
| Danbury | $119,826 | 107.9 | $111,053 |
| New Haven | $115,956 | 104.559 | $110,900 |
| Hartford | $117,368 | 107.9 | $108,775 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Connecticut
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $70,402 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $114,248 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $183,028 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Connecticut metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 29 Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgeport | $122,387 |
| 2 | Stamford | $120,746 |
| 3 | Danbury | $119,826 |
| 4 | Hartford | $117,368 |
| 5 | New Haven | $115,956 |
| 6 | Manchester | $115,008 |
| 7 | Norwalk | $113,491 |
| 8 | Bristol | $113,129 |
| 9 | Stratford | $112,966 |
| 10 | Middletown | $112,825 |
| 11 | Meriden | $112,587 |
| 12 | Hamden | $112,217 |
| 13 | Fairfield | $112,135 |
| 14 | New Britain | $112,009 |
| 15 | Milford | $111,504 |
| 16 | West Haven | $111,458 |
| 17 | East Hartford | $110,961 |
| 18 | Torrington | $110,914 |
| 19 | Groton | $110,543 |
| 20 | Norwich | $110,525 |
| 21 | West Hartford | $110,185 |
| 22 | Vernon | $110,091 |
| 23 | Glastonbury | $110,056 |
| 24 | New London | $109,835 |
| 25 | Naugatuck | $109,277 |
| 26 | Enfield | $109,122 |
| 27 | Cheshire | $108,879 |
| 28 | Shelton | $107,918 |
| 29 | Waterbury | $105,731 |
More Connecticut Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay in Connecticut cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new clinical and counseling psychologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Explore More Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does Connecticut clinical and counseling psychologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Connecticut?
How many clinical and counseling psychologists are employed in Connecticut?
Which Connecticut city offers the best value for clinical and counseling psychologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 clinical and counseling psychologist compensation across Connecticut. State averages are employment-weighted across 29 metro areas — larger metro areas with more clinical and counseling psychologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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