Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary in Hilton Head Island, SC: $96,060 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time clinical and counseling psychologist in Hilton Head Island, SC earns a median $96,060/year (≈ $46.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 19-3033). Once you factor in Hilton Head Island's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $104,984 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, the projected median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists in 2026 is $96,060, which is approximately 9.11% lower than the national median of $105,689. The salary ranges from $55,714 at the 10th percentile to $148,893 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant disparity among earnings based on experience, credentials, and specific job responsibilities. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Given that there are currently only six clinical and counseling psychologists employed in this area, this suggests a relatively specialized market with limited competition.
About the Hilton Head Island Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($75,310) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,714 | $26.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,417 | $33.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,060 | $46.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $122,956 | $59.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,893 | $71.58 |
Median Salary Position
9.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilton Head Island
In Hilton Head Island, SC, the clinical and counseling psychologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $93,179 (2026 est.). At $96,060, the local median is 9.11% below the national median of $105,689.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilton Head Island: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilton Head Island Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Pay Compares
Hilton Head Island median: $96,060/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilton Head Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $96,737 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $105,689 | -9.11% less |
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $96,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.11% lower than the national median of $105,689 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $96,737.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilton Head Island has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilton Head Island, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A clinical and counseling psychologist earning $96,060 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $104,984 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2021 BLS Actual
$74,992
2025 BLS Actual
$91,416
2026 Current Est.
$96,060
2021–2027 Growth
+34.6%
Salary Trajectory for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists in Hilton Head Island (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.08% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $74,992 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,344 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,416 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,060 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,940 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilton Head Island metropolitan area, the median clinical and counseling psychologist salary grew 21.9% from $74,992 (2021) to $91,416 (2025). At a 5.08% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,940 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,948 (34.60%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilton Head Island 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) | $55,714 – $70,417 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,417 – $96,060 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,060 – $122,956 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $122,956 – $148,893 |
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 Hilton Head Island
Examining the local employment landscape reveals a unique situation; while only a handful of psychologists work in Hilton Head Island, this may contribute to a more stable job market. The cost of living index in the area is 91.5, indicating that residents can expect a lower overall expense than the national average. Salaries in private practices typically remain competitive, although larger healthcare organizations often offer higher compensation due to their extensive resources. Factors influencing salary variation include specialized credentials, experience in sought-after niches, and the nature of benefits that various employers provide. To maximize earning potential in this market, professionals should seek out additional certifications and consider roles within larger healthcare systems that tend to have more comprehensive pay structures.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make in Hilton Head Island, SC in 2026?
Is Hilton Head Island, SC a good place to work as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
Can clinical and counseling psychologists make $100K in Hilton Head Island?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted clinical and counseling psychologist salary in Hilton Head Island?
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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 $91,416 for clinical and counseling psychologistsin the Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island 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