Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Elk River, MN: $111,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Elk River, MN earns a median $111,681/year (≈ $53.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $113,382 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Elk River, Minnesota, will earn a median annual salary of $111,681. This figure is slightly higher than the national median of $105,689, reflecting a local earning potential that may appeal to those entering the field. Salary ranges for these professionals in Elk River extend from $66,669 at the 10th percentile to $173,106 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant variation based on experience and specialization. These projections derive from 2025 BLS data, accounted for regional cost differentials and market adjustments. The local job market indicates a small group of only four employed clinical and counseling psychologists, suggesting a competitive environment shaped by specific employer needs and the unique characteristics of the Elk River area.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($96,180) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,669 | $32.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,285 | $40.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,681 | $53.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,952 | $68.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $173,106 | $83.22 |
Median Salary Position
5.67% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,437 (2026 est.). At $111,681, the local median is 5.67% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Elk River median: $111,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $113,960 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +5.67% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Elk River, MN earn a median of $111,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.67% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $113,960.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $111,681 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,382 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$87,188
2025 BLS Actual
$106,282
2026 Current Est.
$111,681
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Elk River (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $87,188 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,548 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,818 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,282 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,355 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $87,188 (2021) to $106,282 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,355 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,167 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $66,669 – $84,285 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,285 – $111,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,681 – $142,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,952 – $173,106 |
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 Elk River
The local economic conditions in Elk River influence the effective take-home pay for clinical and counseling psychologists, as evidenced by a cost-of-living index of 98.5, which suggests that living expenses are slightly below the national average. This can potentially enhance purchasing power for professionals in this sector. Among local employers, larger healthcare organizations and community health centers are typically able to offer higher compensation compared to private practices and specialty clinics, often influenced by the scale of operations and resources available for salaries and benefits. Factors driving the salary range include variations in shift differentials, the presence of specialty credentials, and the size of the employer. To maximize pay, aspiring psychologists in Elk River may consider pursuing additional certifications, networking with local healthcare leaders, and exploring opportunities to work within larger institutions where compensation structures are more favorable.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Elk River, MN in 2026?
Is Elk River, MN a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Elk River?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Elk River?
How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in Elk River?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $106,282 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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