Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Clearwater, FL: $90,560 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Clearwater, FL earns a median $90,560/year (≈ $43.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Clearwater's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $89,841 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $90,560 in 2026, the compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists in Clearwater, Florida, is slightly below the national average of $105,689. This figure spans a salary range from $52,525 at the 10th percentile to $140,368 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential in the field. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the local job market, which currently employs 19 clinical and counseling psychologists. The relatively stable number of positions suggests a competitive environment, influencing how financial compensation may adjust over time in Clearwater, especially given the area's cost of living index of 100.8, which is slightly above the national average.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($92,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,525 | $25.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,203 | $31.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,560 | $43.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,917 | $55.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,368 | $67.48 |
Median Salary Position
14.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clearwater
In Clearwater, FL, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,843 (2026 est.). At $90,560, the local median is 14.31% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clearwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clearwater Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Clearwater median: $90,560/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clearwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $92,882 | -2.50% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -14.31% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Clearwater, FL earn a median of $90,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.31% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.50% below the Florida state average of $92,882.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clearwater has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clearwater, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $90,560 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,841 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$70,699
2025 BLS Actual
$86,182
2026 Current Est.
$90,560
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Clearwater (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $70,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,228 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,343 | Actual |
| 2024 | $94,453 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,182 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,560 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,160 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clearwater metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $70,699 (2021) to $86,182 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,160 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,461 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clearwater 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) | $52,525 – $65,203 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,203 – $90,560 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,560 – $115,917 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,917 – $140,368 |
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 Clearwater
Among the 19 clinical and counseling psychologists currently practicing in Clearwater, those seeking competitive salaries may find greater opportunities within private practices, large healthcare organizations, and specialty clinics, which often offer the highest pay. The local cost of living impacts take-home purchasing power, meaning salary negotiation can greatly influence financial well-being. Variations in pay can be attributed to factors such as specialty credentials, shift differentials, and specific benefits packages. To maximize earnings in Clearwater, professionals should consider enhancing their skill sets with specialized training and actively pursue employment with larger healthcare systems that typically provide more substantial compensation and benefits. Understanding the local demand and leveraging networking opportunities can also be key strategies for optimizing clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Clearwater, FL.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
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 $86,182 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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