Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Nebraska: $101,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Nebraska's 13 metropolitan areas, the average median clinical and counseling psychologist pay sits at $101,130/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 19-3033. Because Nebraska sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $110,525 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Lincoln ($120,000), Grand Island ($89,831), Hastings ($89,788).
In Nebraska, the projected average median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in 2026 is $101,130, which is slightly below the national median of $105,689. This represents a difference of 4.3%. Lincoln emerges as the highest-paying city, with an average salary of $126,096, while North Platte offers the lowest at $89,925. The salary gap of $36,171 between these cities can be attributed to various factors including cost of living, local demand for mental health services, and the availability of positions within urban versus rural areas. Nebraska requires clinical and counseling psychologists to hold a doctorate in psychology, complete a supervised internship, and pass the national licensing exam. The demand for mental health professionals is driven by an increasing awareness of mental health issues and a growing population, contributing to a projected annual growth rate of 5.08%. With a total of 676 psychologists employed in the state, the job market appears strong, particularly in cities like Lincoln, Grand Island, Hastings, Omaha, and Fremont, where salaries are competitive within the regional context. Aspiring professionals should consider these dynamics when planning their careers in Nebraska.
Nebraska Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Nebraska: $47,664 (lowest entry-level) to $218,566 (highest top earner)
Nebraska vs National Average
Nebraska clinical and counseling psychologists earn 4.31% less than the national median ($-4,559/year difference).
Nebraska Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salaries in Nebraska range from $52,151 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $158,436 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $101,130. The Nebraska median is $4,559 below the US national median of $105,689. The average hourly rate is $48.62/hr. Approximately 676 clinical and counseling psychologists are employed across 13 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$77,040
2025 BLS Actual
$96,241
2026 Current Est.
$101,130
2021–2027 Growth
+37.9%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Nebraska (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $77,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,060 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,357 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,241 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,268 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nebraska metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 24.9% from $77,040 (2021) to $96,241 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,228 (37.94%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nebraska 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Nebraska
Lowest Paying Cities in Nebraska
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| North Platte | $89,925 |
| Papillion | $89,955 |
| La Vista | $90,049 |
| Norfolk | $90,064 |
| Columbus | $90,304 |
Best Value Cities for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Nebraska
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Nebraska cities offer the most purchasing power for clinical and counseling psychologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln | $126,096 | 91.581 | $137,688 |
| Grand Island | $94,394 | 91.5 | $103,163 |
| Hastings | $94,349 | 91.5 | $103,114 |
| Fremont | $93,839 | 91.5 | $102,556 |
| Omaha | $94,257 | 91.911 | $102,552 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Nebraska
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $52,151 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $101,130 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $158,436 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Nebraska metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 13 Cities in Nebraska
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lincoln | $126,096 |
| 2 | Grand Island | $94,394 |
| 3 | Hastings | $94,349 |
| 4 | Omaha | $94,257 |
| 5 | Fremont | $93,839 |
| 6 | Bellevue | $93,644 |
| 7 | Kearney | $93,126 |
| 8 | Scottsbluff | $92,806 |
| 9 | Columbus | $90,304 |
| 10 | Norfolk | $90,064 |
| 11 | La Vista | $90,049 |
| 12 | Papillion | $89,955 |
| 13 | North Platte | $89,925 |
More Nebraska Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay in Nebraska cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new clinical and counseling psychologists.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Compare Cities in Nebraska
View all comparisons →Explore More Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Nebraska in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for clinical and counseling psychologists in Nebraska?
How does Nebraska clinical and counseling psychologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Nebraska?
How many clinical and counseling psychologists are employed in Nebraska?
Which Nebraska city offers the best value for clinical and counseling psychologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 clinical and counseling psychologist compensation across Nebraska. State averages are employment-weighted across 13 metro areas — larger metro areas with more clinical and counseling psychologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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