Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Central, LA: $91,682 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Central, LA earns a median $91,682/year (≈ $44.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Central's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $101,530 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Central, Louisiana, can expect a median annual salary of $91,682, placing local earnings below the national median of $105,689 by approximately 13.25%. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning as low as $54,126 and top earners reaching up to $142,108. These figures, projected based on 2025 BLS data, reflect local economic conditions and are adjusted for the cost of living in Central, where the index is notably below the national average at 90.3. This essential context highlights that while salaries may not be competitive on a national scale, the lower cost of living in Central can provide a favorable purchasing power for residents.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($80,700) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,126 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,031 | $33.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,682 | $44.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,353 | $56.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,108 | $68.32 |
Median Salary Position
13.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Central
In Central, LA, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,982 (2026 est.). At $91,682, the local median is 13.25% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Central: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Central Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Central median: $91,682/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Central Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $95,403 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -13.25% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Central, LA earn a median of $91,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.25% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $95,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Central has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Central, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $91,682 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,530 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$71,575
2025 BLS Actual
$87,250
2026 Current Est.
$91,682
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Central (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $71,575 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,185 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,364 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,005 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,682 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,340 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Central metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $71,575 (2021) to $87,250 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,340 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,765 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Central 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) | $54,126 – $69,031 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,031 – $91,682 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,682 – $117,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,353 – $142,108 |
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 Central
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Central includes only five actively employed professionals, indicating a relatively small field that could benefit from ongoing demand. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, those working in this sector can find their take-home pay stretches further than in areas with higher living expenses. Among the various employers, large healthcare organizations typically offer better compensation compared to private practices and community health centers. Factors influencing the significant pay variation include specialization areas, additional credentials, and the size of the employing organization, as these can also dictate benefits packages and work incentives. To maximize earning potential in Central, psychologists may consider obtaining advanced certifications, seeking employment with larger healthcare providers, or exploring roles that involve weekend or evening shifts, which often come with differential pay rates.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Central?
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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 $87,250 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Central 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 Central 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