Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Wake Forest, NC: $93,987 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Wake Forest, NC earns a median $93,987/year (≈ $45.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Wake Forest's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $100,413 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wake Forest, NC, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in 2026 is $93,987, which falls below the national median of $105,689. The local salary range spans from $55,037 at the lower percentile to $145,680 at the upper end. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the regional economic context and cost of living considerations, which are notably advantageous in Wake Forest, where the cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, indicating affordability compared to the national average. With nine clinical and counseling psychologists currently employed in the area, the local market for these professionals shows a balance between demand and compensation.
About the Wake Forest Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,037 | $26.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,262 | $32.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,987 | $45.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,303 | $57.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145,680 | $70.04 |
Median Salary Position
11.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wake Forest
In Wake Forest, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,643 (2026 est.). At $93,987, the local median is 11.07% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wake Forest: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wake Forest Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Wake Forest median: $93,987/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wake Forest Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,321 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -11.07% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Wake Forest, NC earn a median of $93,987 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.07% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $95,321.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wake Forest 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.
Wake Forest, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $93,987 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,413 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$73,374
2025 BLS Actual
$89,443
2026 Current Est.
$93,987
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Wake Forest (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $73,374 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,459 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,819 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,443 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,987 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,761 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wake Forest metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $73,374 (2021) to $89,443 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,761 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,387 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wake Forest 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) | $55,037 – $68,262 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,262 – $93,987 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,987 – $120,303 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,303 – $145,680 |
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 Wake Forest
Employment opportunities in Wake Forest may offer varying levels of pay depending on the type of organization. Private practices and larger healthcare organizations typically present the most competitive salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists, especially those with specialty credentials or enhanced experience, while community health centers may provide a more stable, though lower, pay scale. The notable range in salaries within this profession can often be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, employer size, and benefits structures that influence total compensation. For those looking to maximize their clinical and counseling psychologist pay in Wake Forest, pursuing advanced certifications or seeking roles in specialized clinics might yield financial benefits. Staying informed about the local job market and networking with established professionals can further enhance earning potential in this field.
More salary data for Wake Forest, 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 $89,443 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Wake Forest 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 Wake Forest 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