Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Charleston, SC: $68,302 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Charleston, SC earns a median $68,302/year (≈ $32.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Charleston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.0), that paycheck buys what $67,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 29.4% below the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the local employment picture reveals a strong presence of clinical and counseling psychologists, reflecting a vibrant market for mental health services. The projected median annual salary for this profession in 2026 is $68,302, which, while competitive within the region, is significantly lower than the national median of $105,689. Salaries in Charleston vary, with the range starting at $66,316 for the lowest earners and reaching up to $106,236 for the highest, as reported through the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) surveys. This disparity suggests a diverse landscape in terms of job roles and opportunities within the field, indicating available positions that cater to varying levels of experience and specialization.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,316 | $31.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,302 | $32.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,302 | $32.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,027 | $47.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,236 | $51.08 |
Median Salary Position
35.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charleston
In Charleston, SC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,920 (2026 est.). At $68,302, the local median is 35.37% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Charleston: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Charleston Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Charleston median: $68,302/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $96,745 | -29.40% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -35.37% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Charleston, SC earn a median of $68,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.37% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 29.40% below the South Carolina state average of $96,745.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charleston has a cost of living 0.96% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 100.962 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,302 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,651 — a 0.95% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2021 BLS Actual
$53,322
2025 BLS Actual
$65,000
2026 Current Est.
$68,302
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Charleston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $53,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,690 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,109 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,302 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,772 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charleston metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $53,322 (2021) to $65,000 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,772 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,450 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charleston 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) | $66,316 – $68,302 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,302 – $68,302 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,302 – $99,027 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,027 – $106,236 |
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 Charleston
As Charleston continues to expand its mental health services, demand for clinical and counseling psychologists is expected to grow. The cost of living in Charleston, reflected in a slightly above-average index of 100.962, can impact take-home pay and purchasing power, making it essential for professionals to consider total compensation packages. Among local employers, large healthcare organizations and specialty clinics often offer the most competitive compensation, driven by factors such as employer size and benefits structure. To maximize earnings in this specific market, psychologists should focus on obtaining specialty credentials, which can enhance their appeal to higher-paying employers. Additionally, those willing to take on shift differentials or work in high-demand areas may find greater financial rewards in Charleston SC, ultimately impacting how much clinical and counseling psychologists make in Charleston.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Charleston, SC in 2026?
Is Charleston, SC a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Charleston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Charleston?
How much does a clinical and counseling psychologist make per hour in Charleston?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $65,000 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Charleston 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 4-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