Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Plainfield, NJ: $121,525 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Plainfield, NJ earns a median $121,525/year (≈ $58.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Plainfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $105,490 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists in Plainfield, NJ, is projected to be $121,525 annually in 2026, well above the national median of $105,689. This salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning approximately $70,485 and more experienced professionals making around $188,364. These figures are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost changes, indicating a robust demand in a market where only 10 clinical and counseling psychologists are currently employed. Such a low employment count suggests a less saturated job market, potentially allowing for better opportunities for new entrants.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($119,670) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,485 | $33.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,498 | $42.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $121,525 | $58.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,552 | $74.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $188,364 | $90.56 |
Median Salary Position
14.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
In Plainfield, NJ, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $117,879 (2026 est.). At $121,525, the local median is 14.98% above the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plainfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plainfield Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Plainfield median: $121,525/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plainfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $121,769 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | +14.98% more |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $121,525 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.98% higher than the national median of $105,689 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $121,769.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plainfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plainfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $121,525 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,490 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$94,873
2025 BLS Actual
$115,650
2026 Current Est.
$121,525
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Plainfield (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $94,873 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,634 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,499 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,600 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,525 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $127,698 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plainfield metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $94,873 (2021) to $115,650 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $127,698 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,825 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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) | $70,485 – $87,498 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,498 – $121,525 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $121,525 – $155,552 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,552 – $188,364 |
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 Plainfield
Considering the local job landscape, the relatively high cost of living in Plainfield, with an index of 115.2, could impact take-home pay, necessitating an understanding of salary distribution to maintain purchasing power. Among employers, large healthcare organizations often provide the highest salaries, while private practices and community health centers may offer varying compensation based on specialization and benefits packages. Factors such as shift differentials and additional qualifications can widen pay scales significantly. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Plainfield, enhancing credentials, seeking positions within larger health systems, and negotiating terms effectively are crucial strategies to improve clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Plainfield, NJ.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Plainfield?
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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 $115,650 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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