Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Merrillville, IN: $85,265 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Merrillville, IN earns a median $85,265/year (≈ $40.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Merrillville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $93,390 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Merrillville, Indiana, the salary for clinical and counseling psychologists reflects a localized job market with eight professionals currently employed in the field. The projected median annual salary in 2026 is $85,265, which is significantly below the national median of $105,689. Salary ranges for these positions vary widely, from a lower end of $49,454 to an upper spectrum reaching $132,161. These figures, derived from the 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, indicate a fairly competitive, albeit less lucrative, environment for professionals in Merrillville compared to the national average. Given the limited number of positions, prospective psychologists may encounter a tighter job market, highlighting the importance of strategic career planning and positioning.
About the Merrillville Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($89,130) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,454 | $23.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,155 | $29.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,265 | $40.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,139 | $52.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,161 | $63.54 |
Median Salary Position
19.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Merrillville
In Merrillville, IN, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,707 (2026 est.). At $85,265, the local median is 19.32% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Merrillville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Merrillville Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Merrillville median: $85,265/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Merrillville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $88,910 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -19.32% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Merrillville, IN earn a median of $85,265 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.32% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 4.10% below the Indiana state average of $88,910.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Merrillville has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Merrillville, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $85,265 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,390 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$66,565
2025 BLS Actual
$81,143
2026 Current Est.
$85,265
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Merrillville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $66,565 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,712 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,529 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,060 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,143 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,265 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,597 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Merrillville metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $66,565 (2021) to $81,143 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,597 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,032 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merrillville 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) | $49,454 – $62,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,155 – $85,265 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,265 – $109,139 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,139 – $132,161 |
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 Merrillville
The clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Merrillville, IN, is influenced by local economic factors such as a cost-of-living index at 91.3, which offers a more favorable environment for earning potential compared to higher-cost regions. Healthcare organizations and private practices generally provide the highest compensation in the area, with specialty clinics also contributing to the pay scale. Differences in salary are often driven by factors including employer size, specialty credentials, and the benefits offered. To maximize earnings, psychologists might consider pursuing certifications in high-demand areas and seeking employment at larger healthcare systems, which typically offer better salary structures and comprehensive benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help clinicians effectively navigate salary expectations and improve their earning potential in this specific market.
More salary data for Merrillville, IN:
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 $81,143 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Merrillville 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 Merrillville 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