Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $122,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $122,868/year (≈ $59.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $106,656 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elizabeth, New Jersey, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists is $122,868, reflecting a notable increase compared to the state’s average for this profession. With salaries ranging from $71,263 at the 10th percentile to as high as $190,445 at the 90th percentile, the market offers diverse compensation opportunities. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted to reflect local cost-of-living fluctuations which stand at a higher index of 115.2 compared to the national average. This indicates that professionals in Elizabeth can expect not only solid earnings but also a competitive edge in salary compared to national averages, which sit at $105,689. As more individuals seek mental health services, the demand for skilled psychologists in the area could further enhance job prospects.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($119,670) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,263 | $34.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,501 | $43.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,868 | $59.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $157,271 | $75.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $190,445 | $91.56 |
Median Salary Position
16.25% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $119,182 (2026 est.). At $122,868, the local median is 16.25% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $122,868/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $121,772 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | +16.25% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $122,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.25% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $121,772.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,868 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,656 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$95,921
2025 BLS Actual
$116,928
2026 Current Est.
$122,868
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Elizabeth (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $95,921 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $111,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,110 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $95,921 (2021) to $116,928 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $129,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,189 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $71,263 – $91,501 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,501 – $122,868 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,868 – $157,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $157,271 – $190,445 |
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 Elizabeth
Currently, there are 25 clinical and counseling psychologists practicing in Elizabeth, suggesting a relatively niche market but with potential for growth. Given the elevated cost of living, the take-home purchasing power may be impacted; thus, understanding employer types is crucial for those considering clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Elizabeth, NJ. Private practices and large healthcare organizations tend to offer the highest compensation, while community health centers and specialty clinics might provide lower salaries but often come with benefits that can enhance overall job satisfaction. The variance in salaries can also stem from factors like specialty credentials, shift differentials, and the size of the employing organization. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Elizabeth’s market, pursuing advanced certifications and positioning oneself within large healthcare systems could be strategies worth considering.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
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 $116,928 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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