Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Cary, NC: $100,982 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Cary, NC earns a median $100,982/year (≈ $48.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $107,887 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.9% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, the projected salary for clinical and counseling psychologists sits at $100,982 for 2026, which is a slight decline of 4.45% compared to the national median of $105,689. This figure represents a wide salary range, from $58,569 at the 10th percentile to $156,522 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and reflect local economic conditions, including the cost of living in Cary. Interestingly, this median is higher than the state average, indicating a competitive salary environment for those practicing in this area and suggesting a healthy demand for mental health professionals as they contribute to community well-being.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,569 | $28.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,751 | $35.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,982 | $48.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $129,257 | $62.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $156,522 | $75.25 |
Median Salary Position
4.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $97,953 (2026 est.). At $100,982, the local median is 4.45% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Cary median: $100,982/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,356 | +5.90% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -4.45% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Cary, NC earn a median of $100,982 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.45% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 5.90% above the North Carolina state average of $95,356.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary 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.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $100,982 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $107,887 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$78,835
2025 BLS Actual
$96,100
2026 Current Est.
$100,982
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Cary (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $78,835 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,115 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,301 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,100 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,982 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,112 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $78,835 (2021) to $96,100 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,112 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,277 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $58,569 – $74,751 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,751 – $100,982 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,982 – $129,257 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $129,257 – $156,522 |
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 Cary
Those practicing as clinical and counseling psychologists in Cary benefit from a favorable job market, with about 44 professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index sits at 93.6, which is below the national average and enhances take-home purchasing power. Typically, private practices and large healthcare organizations offer higher salaries compared to community health centers and specialty clinics in Cary. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, advanced specialty credentials, the size of the employer, and the benefits structure offered. Professionals seeking to maximize their earnings should consider expanding their credentials, gaining specialized training, or negotiating benefits that enhance overall compensation. Understanding local demand and aligning one's expertise with the needs of privileged employers can also play a vital role in achieving higher pay in Cary, NC.
More salary data for Cary, 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 $96,100 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Cary 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 Cary 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