Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Delaware: $112,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Delaware's 6 metropolitan areas, the average median clinical and counseling psychologist pay sits at $112,238/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 19-3033. Because Delaware sits at BEA RPP 101.7 (2% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $110,362 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Wilmington ($114,615), Dover ($111,300), Newark ($101,630).
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Delaware are projected to earn an average median salary of $112,238, which is approximately 6.2% higher than the national median of $105,689. Wilmington tops the state with a salary of $120,437, while Middletown offers the lowest at $99,311, creating a salary gap of $21,126 between these cities. Factors influencing this disparity may include cost of living differences, local demand for mental health services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. Delaware's licensing requirements include a doctoral degree in psychology, completion of an internship, and passing a state examination. The state's scope of practice laws allow for a range of therapeutic interventions, which can drive job opportunities. With a projected annual growth rate of 5.08%, the demand for mental health professionals is expected to increase, reflecting a growing awareness of mental health issues and the need for services. The job market shows strong signs for clinical and counseling psychologists across Delaware's six metro areas, with Dover and Newark also offering competitive salaries of $116,954 and $106,793 respectively. Overall, the outlook is positive as the field continues to expand in response to community needs.
Delaware Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Delaware: $57,601 (lowest entry-level) to $186,678 (highest top earner)
Delaware vs National Average
Delaware clinical and counseling psychologists earn 6.20% more than the national median (+$6,549/year difference).
Delaware Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salaries in Delaware range from $64,237 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $151,727 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $112,238. The Delaware median is $6,549 above the US national median of $105,689. The average hourly rate is $53.96/hr. Approximately 62 clinical and counseling psychologists are employed across 6 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$87,622
2025 BLS Actual
$106,812
2026 Current Est.
$112,238
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Delaware (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $87,622 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,714 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $107,843 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,812 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,940 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $87,622 (2021) to $106,812 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,940 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,318 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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 Delaware
Lowest Paying Cities in Delaware
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Middletown | $99,311 |
| Smyrna | $99,578 |
| Bear | $103,006 |
| Newark | $106,793 |
| Dover | $116,954 |
Best Value Cities for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Delaware
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Delaware cities offer the most purchasing power for clinical and counseling psychologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover | $116,954 | 97.507 | $119,944 |
| Wilmington | $120,437 | 101.7 | $118,424 |
| Newark | $106,793 | 101.7 | $105,008 |
| Bear | $103,006 | 101.7 | $101,284 |
| Smyrna | $99,578 | 101.7 | $97,913 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $64,237 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $112,238 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $151,727 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Delaware metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 6 Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | $120,437 |
| 2 | Dover | $116,954 |
| 3 | Newark | $106,793 |
| 4 | Bear | $103,006 |
| 5 | Smyrna | $99,578 |
| 6 | Middletown | $99,311 |
More Delaware Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay in Delaware 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
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Delaware in 2026?
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How does Delaware clinical and counseling psychologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Delaware?
How many clinical and counseling psychologists are employed in Delaware?
Which Delaware 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 Delaware. State averages are employment-weighted across 6 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, 2-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