Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Bismarck, ND: $95,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Bismarck, ND earns a median $95,842/year (≈ $46.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Bismarck's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $104,176 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bismarck, North Dakota, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists is $95,842 in 2026, reflecting a localized compensation structure that is about 9.32% lower than the national median of $105,689. This region is home to a relatively small employment base, with only 11 professionals currently working in this field, indicating limited market saturation. The salary range for this occupation spans from $55,988 at the 10th percentile to $148,556 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for significant earnings based on experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and account for regional economic factors and cost-of-living adjustments.
About the Bismarck Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($105,770) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,988 | $26.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,680 | $34.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,842 | $46.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,679 | $58.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,556 | $71.42 |
Median Salary Position
9.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bismarck
In Bismarck, ND, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $92,568 (2026 est.). At $95,842, the local median is 9.32% below the national median of $105,689.
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At 40 hours/week in Bismarck: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bismarck Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Bismarck median: $95,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bismarck Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $97,203 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -9.32% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bismarck, ND earn a median of $95,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 1.40% below the North Dakota state average of $97,203.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bismarck has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bismarck, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $95,842 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,176 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$104,280
2025 BLS Actual
$91,209
2026 Current Est.
$95,842
2021–2027 Growth
+-3.4%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Bismarck (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $104,280 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,711 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bismarck metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew -12.5% from $104,280 (2021) to $91,209 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,711 by 2027 — a total increase of $-3,569 (-3.42%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bismarck 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) | $55,988 – $71,680 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,680 – $95,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,842 – $122,679 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,679 – $148,556 |
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 Bismarck
With a cost-of-living index of 92, living in Bismarck allows clinicians to stretch their earnings further than in many larger urban areas. While there are only a handful of employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to offer higher compensation compared to private practices or community health centers. The variance in pay can be attributed to factors such as shift differentials, additional certifications, and benefit packages. To optimize earning potential in Bismarck, professionals should consider pursuing advanced training or specialization to access higher-paying roles, particularly within institutions that value diverse skill sets. Building a strong professional network may also lead to opportunities in management or clinical supervision, both of which typically command higher salaries.
More salary data for Bismarck, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Bismarck, ND in 2026?
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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 $91,209 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Bismarck 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 Bismarck 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