Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Burlington, NC: $93,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Burlington, NC earns a median $93,397/year (≈ $44.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $99,783 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington, NC, is set at $93,397, which presents a modest purchasing power when adjusted for the local cost of living index of 93.6. This salary indicates that while not as high as the national median of $105,689, it provides a reasonable compensation for professionals in this field given the regional economic context. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, from $54,171 at the 10th percentile to $144,766 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, reflecting the local market conditions and demand for clinical and counseling psychologists, which can shape the overall financial landscape in Burlington.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,171 | $26.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,178 | $33.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,397 | $44.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,548 | $57.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,766 | $69.59 |
Median Salary Position
11.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,595 (2026 est.). At $93,397, the local median is 11.63% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Burlington median: $93,397/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,303 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -11.63% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Burlington, NC earn a median of $93,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.63% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $95,303.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $93,397 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,783 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$72,914
2025 BLS Actual
$88,882
2026 Current Est.
$93,397
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Burlington (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $72,914 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,923 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,344 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,882 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,142 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $72,914 (2021) to $88,882 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,142 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,228 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $54,171 – $69,178 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,178 – $93,397 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,397 – $119,548 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,548 – $144,766 |
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 Burlington
The local job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in Burlington is relatively small but competitive, with only 14 professionals currently employed in this sector. The cost of living index further highlights the advantage of working in this area, as salaries align closely with regional affordability. Among various employers, large healthcare organizations tend to offer higher salaries than private practices or community health centers. Several factors contribute to the wide salary range; for example, additional certifications, specialization, and the size of the employing organization can significantly influence overall compensation. To maximize earnings, professionals should consider seeking employment in larger clinics that offer comprehensive benefits and certain shift differentials. Additionally, pursuing advanced credentials may increase marketability and, consequently, salary potential in Burlington, NC.
More salary data for Burlington, NC:
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 $88,882 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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