Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Georgia: $99,541 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Georgia's 39 metropolitan areas, the average median clinical and counseling psychologist pay sits at $99,541/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 19-3033. Because Georgia sits at BEA RPP 93.1 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $106,918 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Sandy Springs ($98,989), Columbus ($97,270), Atlanta ($97,090).
In 2026, the average median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Georgia is projected to be $99,541, which is approximately 5.8% lower than the national median of $105,689. There is a significant salary disparity across the state’s metro areas, with Sandy Springs offering the highest salary at $104,018, while Augusta presents the lowest at $71,391—a gap of $32,627. Factors influencing this difference include the cost of living, local demand for psychological services, and the presence of healthcare facilities. Georgia's specific licensing requirements necessitate a doctorate in psychology and completion of a supervised internship, along with passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. The scope of practice laws allow psychologists to take on a range of therapeutic and assessment roles, which supports demand in various settings, such as schools and healthcare systems. The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Georgia is set to grow at an annual rate of 5.08%, indicating strong future opportunities. The top cities projected for employment in 2026 include Sandy Springs, Columbus at $102,211, Atlanta at $102,022, Athens at $101,309, and Roswell at $99,708, reflecting localized variations in salary and demand for services.
Georgia Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Georgia: $20,322 (lowest entry-level) to $216,538 (highest top earner)
Georgia vs National Average
Georgia clinical and counseling psychologists earn 5.82% less than the national median ($-6,148/year difference).
Georgia Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salaries in Georgia range from $35,935 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $190,106 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $99,541. The Georgia median is $6,148 below the US national median of $105,689. The average hourly rate is $47.86/hr. Approximately 1,298 clinical and counseling psychologists are employed across 39 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$65,752
2025 BLS Actual
$94,729
2026 Current Est.
$99,541
2021–2027 Growth
+59.1%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Georgia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $65,752 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,629 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,634 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,729 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,541 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,597 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Georgia metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 44.1% from $65,752 (2021) to $94,729 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,597 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,845 (59.08%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Georgia 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 Georgia
Lowest Paying Cities in Georgia
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Augusta | $71,391 |
| Griffin | $91,528 |
| Canton | $93,265 |
| Tucker | $93,487 |
| Peachtree City | $93,723 |
Best Value Cities for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Georgia
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Georgia cities offer the most purchasing power for clinical and counseling psychologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | $102,211 | 89.296 | $114,463 |
| Sandy Springs | $104,018 | 93.1 | $111,727 |
| Athens | $101,309 | 93.1 | $108,817 |
| Roswell | $99,708 | 93.1 | $107,098 |
| Alpharetta | $99,396 | 93.1 | $106,763 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $35,935 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $99,541 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $190,106 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Georgia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 39 Cities in Georgia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandy Springs | $104,018 |
| 2 | Columbus | $102,211 |
| 3 | Atlanta | $102,022 |
| 4 | Athens | $101,309 |
| 5 | Roswell | $99,708 |
| 6 | Alpharetta | $99,396 |
| 7 | South Fulton | $99,282 |
| 8 | Savannah | $98,836 |
| 9 | Brookhaven | $98,391 |
| 10 | Lawrenceville | $97,709 |
| 11 | Statesboro | $97,603 |
| 12 | Woodstock | $97,488 |
| 13 | Warner Robins | $97,487 |
| 14 | Albany | $97,487 |
| 15 | Stockbridge | $97,343 |
| 16 | Pooler | $97,205 |
| 17 | Valdosta | $97,113 |
| 18 | Macon | $97,039 |
| 19 | Marietta | $96,606 |
| 20 | Peachtree Corners | $96,594 |
| 21 | Johns Creek | $96,178 |
| 22 | Hinesville | $95,632 |
| 23 | Evans | $95,441 |
| 24 | Douglasville | $95,350 |
| 25 | Dunwoody | $95,344 |
| 26 | Smyrna | $95,242 |
| 27 | Dalton | $94,968 |
| 28 | McDonough | $94,838 |
| 29 | Newnan | $94,685 |
| 30 | Milton | $94,647 |
| 31 | Kennesaw | $93,937 |
| 32 | Gainesville | $93,807 |
| 33 | Rome | $93,807 |
| 34 | Cartersville | $93,725 |
| 35 | Peachtree City | $93,723 |
| 36 | Tucker | $93,487 |
| 37 | Canton | $93,265 |
| 38 | Griffin | $91,528 |
| 39 | Augusta | $71,391 |
More Georgia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay in Georgia cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new clinical and counseling psychologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Compare Cities in Georgia
View all comparisons →Explore More Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Georgia in 2026?
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How does Georgia clinical and counseling psychologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Georgia?
How many clinical and counseling psychologists are employed in Georgia?
Which Georgia 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 Georgia. State averages are employment-weighted across 39 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