Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Meridian, MS: $85,866 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Meridian, MS earns a median $85,866/year (≈ $41.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $100,194 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For clinical and counseling psychologists in Meridian, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $85,866, reflecting a significant gap compared to the national median of $105,689, indicating an -18.76% disparity in purchasing power when adjusted for local cost of living. The salary range for these professionals varies widely, from $49,803 at the 10th percentile to $133,092 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. Considering Meridian's cost-of-living index of 85.7, which is below the national average, this data emphasizes the variability in earnings and underscores the challenges faced by local psychologists in maximizing their financial stability.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($86,140) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,803 | $23.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,288 | $30.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,866 | $41.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,908 | $52.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,092 | $63.98 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,289 (2026 est.). At $85,866, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Meridian median: $85,866/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $90,576 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -18.76% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Meridian, MS earn a median of $85,866 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $90,576.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $85,866 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,194 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$67,034
2025 BLS Actual
$81,715
2026 Current Est.
$85,866
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Meridian (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $67,034 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,225 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,075 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,983 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,866 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,228 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $67,034 (2021) to $81,715 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,228 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,194 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $49,803 – $63,288 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,288 – $85,866 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,866 – $109,908 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,908 – $133,092 |
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 Meridian
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Meridian is relatively small but targeted, with only seven individuals currently employed in this sector. The local cost of living, indexed at 85.7, implies that salaries may provide a more favorable standard of living compared to many other areas. Private practices and large healthcare organizations typically offer the highest compensation packages, often enhanced by benefits that can significantly impact total earnings. Variations in pay can largely be attributed to differences in employer size, the types of services offered, and the presence of specialty credentials among psychologists. To maximize pay in Meridian, professionals should focus on acquiring certifications in in-demand areas, consider roles in larger institutions that may offer more robust salary and benefits packages, and explore opportunities for shift work or roles with flexible hours, which can often come with better remuneration.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
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 $81,715 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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