Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Puerto Rico: $72,581 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Puerto Rico's 2 metropolitan areas, the average median clinical and counseling psychologist pay sits at $72,581/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 19-3033. Because Puerto Rico sits at BEA RPP 75.0 (25% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $96,775 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Ponce ($76,840), San Juan ($67,660).
In 2026, clinical and counseling psychologists in Puerto Rico are projected to earn an average median salary of $72,581, which is significantly lower than the national median of $105,689, reflecting a 31.3% salary gap. The highest-paying city in the territory is Ponce, with an average salary of $80,743, while San Juan offers the lowest at $71,097. The difference can be attributed to various factors, including cost of living adjustments, demand for services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities. To practice as a psychologist in Puerto Rico, professionals must meet state licensing requirements, which typically involve completing a doctoral degree, accumulating supervised experience, and passing a licensing exam. Currently, there are about 260 psychologists employed in the territory, with a projected growth rate of 5.08% annually. This growth is driven by an increasing awareness of mental health issues and a broadening recognition of the value of psychological services. The job market for psychologists in Puerto Rico is expected to remain stable, supported by ongoing public and private sector initiatives aimed at improving mental health services. As demand continues to rise, particularly in underserved areas, psychologists may find greater opportunities for employment and specialization within their field.
Puerto Rico Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Puerto Rico: $48,694 (lowest entry-level) to $96,737 (highest top earner)
Puerto Rico vs National Average
Puerto Rico clinical and counseling psychologists earn 31.33% less than the national median ($-33,108/year difference).
Puerto Rico Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Clinical and Counseling Psychologist salaries in Puerto Rico range from $49,536 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $91,091 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $72,581. The Puerto Rico median is $33,108 below the US national median of $105,689. The average hourly rate is $34.90/hr. Approximately 260 clinical and counseling psychologists are employed across 2 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$59,820
2025 BLS Actual
$69,072
2026 Current Est.
$72,581
2021–2027 Growth
+27.5%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Puerto Rico (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $59,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,520 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,720 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,072 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,581 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,268 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Puerto Rico metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 15.5% from $59,820 (2021) to $69,072 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,448 (27.50%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Puerto Rico 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.
Top 2 Highest Paying Cities in Puerto Rico
Salary by Experience Level in Puerto Rico
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $49,536 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $72,581 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $91,091 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Puerto Rico metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 2 Cities in Puerto Rico
More Puerto Rico Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore clinical and counseling psychologist hourly pay in Puerto Rico cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Explore More Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Puerto Rico in 2026?
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How does Puerto Rico clinical and counseling psychologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Puerto Rico?
How many clinical and counseling psychologists are employed in Puerto Rico?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.08% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 clinical and counseling psychologist compensation across Puerto Rico. State averages are employment-weighted across 2 metro areas — larger metro areas with more clinical and counseling psychologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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