Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Bethesda, MD: $111,577 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Bethesda, MD earns a median $111,577/year (≈ $53.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $102,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Psychologists practicing in Bethesda, Maryland, can anticipate a promising earning potential, with a projected median salary of $111,577 in 2026. This figure exceeds the national median of $105,689, highlighting the competitive pay landscape in the local market. Salary ranges reflect a variation in experience and employer types, with earnings stretching from $64,715 at the lower end to $172,945 for those at the higher echelons. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, indicate that Bethesda offers an attractive financial environment for clinical and counseling psychologists compared to many other regions.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($105,350) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,715 | $31.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,770 | $38.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,577 | $53.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,818 | $68.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,945 | $83.15 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $108,230 (2026 est.). At $111,577, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $111,577/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $115,504 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +5.57% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $111,577 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $115,504.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,577 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,083 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$87,106
2025 BLS Actual
$106,183
2026 Current Est.
$111,577
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bethesda (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $87,106 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,151 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,453 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,219 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,577 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,245 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $87,106 (2021) to $106,183 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,245 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,139 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda 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) | $64,715 – $80,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,770 – $111,577 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,577 – $142,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,818 – $172,945 |
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 Bethesda
In Bethesda, the market for clinical and counseling psychologists is supported by a community of 18 professionals actively employed, creating a localized network of potential job opportunities. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, the take-home purchasing power can vary, making it essential for psychologists to consider this when evaluating job offers. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer the most lucrative positions, often influenced by factors like shift differentials and the complexity of care being provided. Maximizing compensation may involve pursuing specialty credentials or taking roles within larger organizations that provide comprehensive benefits packages. Understanding the dynamics of the local job market and aligning skills with employer needs can significantly enhance the clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Bethesda, MD.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
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 $106,183 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Bethesda 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 Bethesda 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