Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Columbia, SC: $105,038 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Columbia, SC earns a median $105,038/year (≈ $50.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Columbia's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.7), that paycheck buys what $112,146 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.6% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to be $105,038 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $105,689. The salary range for this profession varies considerably, with entry-level positions earning around $71,454 (P10) and those in higher-paying roles commanding up to $142,404 (P90). The data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, indicates a solid demand for skilled professionals in the area, suggesting a competitive yet potentially saturated job market with 110 clinical and counseling psychologists employed locally.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,454 | $34.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,859 | $47.53 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,038 | $50.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $123,984 | $59.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,404 | $68.47 |
Median Salary Position
0.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbia
In Columbia, SC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,950 (2026 est.). At $105,038, the local median is 0.62% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbia: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbia Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Columbia median: $105,038/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbia Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $96,720 | +8.60% more |
| National Average | $105,689 | -0.62% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Columbia, SC earn a median of $105,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.62% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 8.60% above the South Carolina state average of $96,720.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbia has a cost of living 6.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbia, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.662 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $105,038 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,146 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.77% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$92,040
2025 BLS Actual
$99,960
2026 Current Est.
$105,038
2021–2027 Growth
+19.9%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Columbia (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $92,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,508 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,709 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,038 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,374 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbia metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 8.6% from $92,040 (2021) to $99,960 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,374 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,334 (19.92%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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) | $71,454 – $98,859 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,859 – $105,038 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,038 – $123,984 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $123,984 – $142,404 |
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 Columbia
The local job market is influenced by the cost of living, which is indexed at 93.662, meaning that salaries stretch further than they might in higher-cost areas. For those seeking the best compensation, large healthcare organizations tend to provide more lucrative pay than private practices or community health centers. The variance in earnings can often be attributed to factors such as additional certifications, experience in specialty areas, and the size of the employer. To maximize salary potential in Columbia, clinical and counseling psychologists may consider focusing on specific expertise, negotiating benefits, and staying informed about emerging trends within the healthcare landscape. Strategies such as seeking positions with bonuses or continuing education reimbursements can also enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Columbia, SC in 2026?
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Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Columbia?
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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 $99,960 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Columbia 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