Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Chapel Hill, NC: $98,986 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Chapel Hill, NC earns a median $98,986/year (≈ $47.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Chapel Hill's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $105,754 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Chapel Hill, NC, presents an intriguing job market for clinical and counseling psychologists, with a median annual salary of $98,986 expected for 2026. This figure reflects a competitive local market, especially as it falls about 6.34% below the projected national median salary of $105,689. Salary estimates range from $57,413 at the 10th percentile to $153,429 at the 90th percentile, indicating variability in compensation based on experience, specialization, and employer type. Given that there are only nine clinical and counseling psychologists employed in this area, it suggests a relatively niche market with limited competition, which may affect both availability and salary growth prospects over time.
About the Chapel Hill Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,413 | $27.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,271 | $34.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,986 | $47.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,702 | $60.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $153,429 | $73.77 |
Median Salary Position
6.34% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chapel Hill
In Chapel Hill, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $96,016 (2026 est.). At $98,986, the local median is 6.34% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chapel Hill: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chapel Hill Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Chapel Hill median: $98,986/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chapel Hill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,363 | +3.80% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -6.34% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Chapel Hill, NC earn a median of $98,986 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.34% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.80% above the North Carolina state average of $95,363.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chapel Hill 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.
Chapel Hill, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $98,986 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,754 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$77,277
2025 BLS Actual
$94,201
2026 Current Est.
$98,986
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Chapel Hill (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $77,277 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,414 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,005 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,769 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,986 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $104,015 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chapel Hill metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $77,277 (2021) to $94,201 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $104,015 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,738 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chapel Hill 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) | $57,413 – $71,271 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,271 – $98,986 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,986 – $126,702 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,702 – $153,429 |
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 Chapel Hill
The stability of clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Chapel Hill, NC, is influenced by several factors, including the area's cost of living, which sits at a favorable index of 93.6. This lower-than-average cost can enhance take-home purchasing power for local professionals. Employment opportunities can vary significantly between private practices, large healthcare organizations, community health centers, and specialty clinics, impacting salary scales across these different settings. Employers in large healthcare organizations often offer the highest salaries due to their resources and benefit structures. Additionally, the spread between the lower and higher salaries can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, specialty credentials, and the overall demand for services. For psychologists aiming to maximize their pay, pursuing additional certifications or specializing in high-demand areas could provide an edge in negotiation with potential employers in Chapel Hill.
More salary data for Chapel Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Chapel Hill, NC in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Chapel Hill?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Chapel Hill?
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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 $94,201 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Chapel Hill 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 Chapel Hill 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