Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Winston-Salem, NC: $98,797 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Winston-Salem, NC earns a median $98,797/year (≈ $47.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Winston-Salem's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $105,552 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Winston-Salem, NC offers a competitive landscape for clinical and counseling psychologists, with a 2026 median annual salary projected at $98,797. This figure, while respectable, falls approximately 6.52% below the national median of $105,689, highlighting a salary gap that local professionals might want to consider. The salary range in the city is broad, spanning from $57,302 at the 10th percentile to $153,136 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, which underscore the diverse compensation potential for psychologists in various settings, from private practices to hospitals.
About the Winston-Salem Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($82,160) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,302 | $27.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,134 | $34.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,797 | $47.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,461 | $60.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $153,136 | $73.62 |
Median Salary Position
6.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winston-Salem
In Winston-Salem, NC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $95,834 (2026 est.). At $98,797, the local median is 6.52% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winston-Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winston-Salem Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Winston-Salem median: $98,797/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winston-Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $95,364 | +3.60% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -6.52% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Winston-Salem, NC earn a median of $98,797 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.52% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 3.60% above the North Carolina state average of $95,364.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winston-Salem 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.
Winston-Salem, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $98,797 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,552 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$77,129
2025 BLS Actual
$94,021
2026 Current Est.
$98,797
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Winston-Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $77,129 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,252 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,833 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,021 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,797 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,816 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winston-Salem metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $77,129 (2021) to $94,021 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,816 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,687 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winston-Salem 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) | $57,302 – $71,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,134 – $98,797 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,797 – $126,461 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,461 – $153,136 |
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 Winston-Salem
In terms of employment opportunities, Winston-Salem currently has around 59 clinical and counseling psychologists, a number that reflects a modest job market in this field. The cost of living index is lower than the national average at 93.6, which can result in a favorable purchasing power for professionals working in the area. Employers such as large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer higher compensation packages compared to smaller private practices or community health centers. Factors such as specialty credentials and shift differentials can drive the pay disparities in this market. To maximize earnings, psychologists should aim to obtain relevant certifications and consider opportunities within larger institutions known for competitive benefits and salary structures. Understanding these dynamics can empower professionals to negotiate effectively when considering job offers in Winston-Salem.
More salary data for Winston-Salem, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Winston-Salem, NC in 2026?
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Winston-Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Winston-Salem?
How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in Winston-Salem?
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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 $94,021 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem 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