Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Louisville, KY: $102,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Louisville, KY earns a median $102,897/year (≈ $49.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Louisville's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $115,226 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.0% above the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Clinical and counseling psychologists in Louisville, Kentucky can expect a median annual salary of $102,897 in 2026. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the national median of $105,689, indicating that incomes in Louisville are about 2.64% lower in this field. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning around $59,680 and the top 90% making up to $159,491. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, adjusted for the local cost of living. With a cost of living index of 89.3, taking home a favorable salary in Louisville may provide a reasonable purchasing power, particularly when compared to other cities.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($88,890) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,680 | $28.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,087 | $35.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,897 | $49.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $131,708 | $63.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $159,491 | $76.68 |
Median Salary Position
2.64% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Louisville
In Louisville, KY, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $99,811 (2026 est.). At $102,897, the local median is 2.64% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Louisville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Louisville Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Louisville median: $102,897/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Louisville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $94,401 | +9.00% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -2.64% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Louisville, KY earn a median of $102,897 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $94,401.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Louisville has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Louisville, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $102,897 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $115,226 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$80,330
2025 BLS Actual
$97,923
2026 Current Est.
$102,897
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Louisville (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $80,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,749 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,561 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,542 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,125 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Louisville metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $80,330 (2021) to $97,923 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,795 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Louisville 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) | $59,680 – $74,087 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,087 – $102,897 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,897 – $131,708 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $131,708 – $159,491 |
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 Louisville
With 132 clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in Louisville, the job market shows stability for those in this profession. Given the below-average cost of living, earnings can stretch further, allowing for a decent lifestyle. Among the employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer the most competitive compensation, often alongside robust benefits packages. Factors contributing to the pay disparity include specialized training, shift differentials, and the size of the employer. For those looking to maximize their earnings in the Louisville market, obtaining advanced specialties and gaining experience in high-demand areas could be beneficial strategies. Additionally, actively seeking positions in well-established facilities may lead to better financial outcomes, positioning professionals favorably within the competitive landscape.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 $97,923 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Louisville 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 Louisville 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