Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in New Bern, NC: $93,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in New Bern, NC earns a median $93,485/year (≈ $44.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in New Bern's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $99,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bern, North Carolina, the projected median salary for clinical and counseling psychologists is $93,485 for 2026. This figure reflects a trend that falls below the national median by approximately 11.55%, with salaries ranging from $54,221 at the 10th percentile to $144,902 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which result in a cost-of-living index of 93.6. This lower index indicates that the overall purchasing power in New Bern is slightly favorable, although professionals may find that lower compensation impacts broader financial planning.
About the New Bern Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,221 | $26.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,310 | $32.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,485 | $44.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,661 | $57.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,902 | $69.67 |
Median Salary Position
11.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Bern
In New Bern, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,681 (2026 est.). At $93,485, the local median is 11.55% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Bern: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Bern Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
New Bern median: $93,485/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Bern Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,296 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -11.55% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in New Bern, NC earn a median of $93,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.90% below the North Carolina state average of $95,296.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Bern 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.
New Bern, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $93,485 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,877 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$72,983
2025 BLS Actual
$88,966
2026 Current Est.
$93,485
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in New Bern (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $72,983 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,723 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,003 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,415 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,235 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Bern metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $72,983 (2021) to $88,966 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,235 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,252 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Bern 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) | $54,221 – $67,310 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,310 – $93,485 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,485 – $119,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,661 – $144,902 |
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 New Bern
The job market for clinical and counseling psychologists in New Bern is relatively small, with only seven professionals currently employed in the area. Considering the cost of living, which is below the national average, these salaries can have a measurable effect on take-home income. Larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics typically offer higher salaries compared to private practices or community health centers. The variation in pay can often be attributed to factors such as specialty credentials, experience level, and the benefits structures employers provide. To optimize compensation, professionals should consider pursuing specialized training or certifications and seeking opportunities with employers that offer comprehensive benefits and advancement potential.
More salary data for New Bern, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in New Bern, NC in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in New Bern?
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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 $88,966 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the New Bern 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 New Bern 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