Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Waterbury, CT: $105,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Waterbury, CT earns a median $105,731/year (≈ $50.83/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Waterbury's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.8), that paycheck buys what $105,966 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.3% below the Connecticut state average.
Official BLS data · View source

The clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Waterbury, CT, is projected to be $105,731 annually in 2026, reflecting a slight increase over the national median of $105,689. This compensation places Waterbury's clinical and counseling psychologists in a favorable position, as the salary range varies from $66,348 at the 10th percentile to $150,611 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. Additionally, the median hourly rate is set at $50.83, providing a competitive advantage in a market where demand is expected to grow, showcasing the importance of this profession in addressing mental health needs within the community. Given the local and national contexts, psychologists in Waterbury are positioned well in their career paths.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,348 | $31.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $100,351 | $48.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,731 | $50.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $128,712 | $61.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,611 | $72.41 |
Median Salary Position
0.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waterbury
In Waterbury, CT, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,263 (2026 est.). At $105,731, the local median is 0.04% above the national median of $105,689.
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At 40 hours/week in Waterbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waterbury Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Waterbury median: $105,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waterbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $114,058 | -7.30% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +0.04% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Waterbury, CT earn a median of $105,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.04% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 7.30% below the Connecticut state average of $114,058.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waterbury has a cost of living 0.22% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waterbury, CT has a cost-of-living index of 99.778 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $105,731 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,966 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.22% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$82,543
2025 BLS Actual
$100,620
2026 Current Est.
$105,731
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Waterbury (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $82,543 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $124,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,200 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,103 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waterbury metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $82,543 (2021) to $100,620 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,103 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,560 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterbury 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) | $66,348 – $100,351 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $100,351 – $105,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,731 – $128,712 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $128,712 – $150,611 |
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 Waterbury
Currently, Waterbury employs 60 clinical and counseling psychologists, indicating a promising job market for those entering or advancing within this field. The cost of living index in Waterbury stands at 99.778, slightly below the national average, which may improve the purchasing power of local professionals despite the increasing salaries. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often provide more competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, creating a wider salary spread within the market. Factors such as specialty credentials, shift differentials, and employer size significantly impact compensation. To maximize their earning potential, clinical and counseling psychologists should consider pursuing specialized training or certifications that align with the needs of employers in Waterbury, CT, thereby enhancing their position in the job market.
More salary data for Waterbury, CT:
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 $100,620 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Waterbury 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, 3-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